Taryn Church

I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Taryn L. Church; I am a licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist in Hawaii, as well as New Mexico. Taking this step towards self-discovery and growth is a commendable decision, and I'm here to support you in every way that I can. I am a trauma-informed, client-centered therapist. What that means is I desire to help you recognize and understand the impact that past experiences may have on your present thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Then go a step further and identify if those things are still serving you or if there are areas you’d like to change. We will work collaboratively to explore these aspects, fostering deeper personal understanding and empowering you to navigate life's challenges on your terms.

My approach

Client-centered therapy means that you are at the heart of our sessions. Your unique experiences, goals, and pace will set the tone and guide our conversations. I am here to provide support, empathy, and guidance as you navigate your personal journey towards healing and growth. Throughout our time together, we will build a trusting and authentic therapeutic relationship. Open communication is key, I want you to share your thoughts, concerns, and goals. Our sessions are a judgment-free zone, and your confidentiality is of utmost importance. I utilize numerous theoretical approaches, based on client/situational needs. I believe clients should be treated holistically. While we may be using CBT or a common behavioral model, I am also utilizing central nervous system strengthening techniques as well as integrating Client-requested spiritual aspects of healing, if desired.

My focus

My experience is with a broad multicultural range of clients, ranging in age from 12-70. For the last 5-10 years, my work has focused on those seeking to overcome past issues of trauma, establishing healthy identity, and self-worth, and recognizing areas in relationships where the past has been “brought in” to the present. I have always felt a calling to aid in providing a voice for those who may not typically be heard. In this setting, I find great joy and fulfillment in seeing clients begin to take ownership and/or utilize their own voice, personally and professionally, in every area of their lives. I have specialized in past sexual trauma, co-occurring substance disorders/potential legal issues, and long-term identity/self-worth issues along with those experiencing situational or long-standing symptomology of anxiety and depression.

My communication style

I have found in dealing with myself and working with others, unconditional acceptance and kindness, are key for any lasting healing or change. On the other side of that coin lies a brave level of self-awareness, equally as important. These things coupled together provide clients with an honest, transparent look at themselves and their situations as well as introduce radical self-compassion and acceptance that motivate and kindly support a person far above shame and other negative reinforcements. A s we embark on this therapeutic journey together, I want to assure you that your well-being and comfort are my top priorities. I understand that seeking counseling can be both courageous and vulnerable, and I want to create a safe space where you feel heard, valued, and understood.

My journey to mental healthcare

As stated above, I have always felt called to be a voice for the voiceless. Like many professionals in this field, calling can often develop from our own life experiences and the difficulties we may have had to work through or heal from. We all may endeavor to provide for others what we didn’t have ourselves. I also simply feel honored to hold space for people. I was highly internal as a child and young adult and there was no safe space to fully be seen, listened to, understood, and valued. I know how important that is. I have also found there is no greater value in this setting. There is no therapeutic approach, amount of education, or list of 10 tips for a better life that outweighs just holding space for another person. Being able to genuinely provide unconditional positive regard and acceptance, validating each unique experience, and reflecting the beauty and the wonder of a person (especially when they don’t feel/see it) are the first steps of building trust therapeutically and ultimately why I wanted to become a therapist.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting focuses on authenticity. People who have had to go through life being inauthentic (for any reason) often experience a disconnection from self, the desire to “wear masks” or conform to what they have learned is acceptable. People are happier and experience a greater sense of meaning when they can live authentically. The first step in living authentically (integrated) is to figure out what masks we wear and how we can bring more of our authentic selves to every moment moving forward. When setting goals with a client, it is important to establish and utilize the values, experience, and desires that an individual truly has as we work to integrate these pieces of identity into current-day reality, creating more of a sense of emotional well-being and fulfillment.

My first session with you

Relax. It is casual. This process is led by you. Our first session will consist of introductions, initial questions regarding the therapeutic process, and what led you to pursue additional support at this time. We will discuss any questions and concerns you may have and identify how we can best use our time together to address areas where you have identified a need for change or healing.