We recently connected with Tara LaDue and have shared our conversation below.
Tara , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I went back to graduate school to get my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at 44 years old. I grew up with lack mentality, so the idea of taking out $60,000 in loans terrified me. But, I was working in a job where I was on my feet all day with a chronic foot disability in immense pain. I knew I couldn’t do the job anymore, and I wanted a stable career where I could help people. School would be hard, especially while taking care of my elderly mother while working. This was a huge risk financially in many ways: the school loans, working less at the job I went home in pain from every day all while knowing that LMFT’s do not make a lot of money for quite a few years. Getting my Master’s Degree is one of my biggest accomplishments that I am so proud of.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am authentic, what you see is what you get. I am an activist, I literally cannot shut my mouth when I see injustice, which has gotten me into trouble in the past. I love the beach, collecting shells and grounding in the salty water sand. I am woo woo. I believe in angels, intention, signs, and tarot. I adopted a shih tzu after my first shin tzu of 17 years died in 2024. He was sent from my mom in heaven, just want I needed in my time of grief. I also am a bunny mom. I have two bonded bunnies and love to give bunny education for those considering adopting.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I practice online and in Pasadena. In my private practice, Rainbow Waves Therapy, I see women who have endured trauma using EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. I also enjoy working with the LGBTQIA community. I see children and teens at The Center for Connection in Pasadena who have anxiety, ADHD, Autism and depression using Play Therapy, Mindfulness and Art Therapy. Being a Culturally Competent Therapist is extremely important to me. I don’t know everything, but strive to learn all I can to help support marginalized communities.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I am a people connector. I love talking to everyone and hearing their stories. I take these stories with me as inspiration for myself and to help others. I have been told that I am “the great equalizer.” No matter if you have professional degrees, certifications, money or make minimum wage, unhoused with a high ACE score, we are all trying to manage this world full of distress and chaos. Some people’s path has been harder than others, understanding privilege, having compassion and acceptance is how I lead. My goal is to create a space where people feel heard and safe.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I have been told I am “too much,” “too loud,” and that my authentic presence makes some uncomfortable. In the past I may have dimmed my light, got quiet and sunk inside myself. I love this quote “It’s not me that makes you uncomfortable, my presence challenges your comfort. I will not be less for you to feel better about yourself.” (unknown) I have learned that I may not be for everyone, and that’s ok. Those who I am meant for will find me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taraladue.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taraladue
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taradanielleladue/
- Other: https://www.emdria.org/directory/people/tara-d-ladue/
Image Credits
the photos were all taken by me.