Counselling with

Tara J Clarke

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If you’re here, something in your life might feel heavy, confusing, or stuck.

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You don’t need to have the right words for it yet. You don’t need to have it all figured out.

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You just need a space where you can be heard properly.

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My name is Tara. I’m a counsellor based in Palm Cove, a Northern Beaches suburb just north of Cairns city centre. I work with people who want to understand themselves more deeply, move through what they’re carrying, and feel more steady, clear, and connected again.

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I am a professional member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and you can find out more about that here

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My approach is holistic, gentle, grounded, mindful, psychodynamic and real. I won’t analyse you or try to “fix” you. Instead, I listen carefully, ask the right questions, and support you to work through things in a way that feels natural and manageable for you.

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To see whether Tara's services and style of counselling is a match for you, come along for a free induction 30 minutes session.

If you would like to find out whether Tara’s counselling style is the right fit for you or have any questions before booking, please feel free to reach out. You can contact Tara via text at 0481 336 666 or email tara@signsofabundance.com.au Following this, you are welcome to schedule a free 30-minute intake session.

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The intake session is designed to help you feel comfortable, ask questions, explore what has brought you to counselling, and experience the process before deciding whether ongoing support feels right for you. This is why the first 30-minute intake session is offered free.

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Counselling Fees & Affordable Options

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Counselling sessions are $79 per 50-minute session if you have concession such as student, if you are a child, adolescent or pensioner. For adults without concession the price is affordable at $99 per 50-minute session. ​ 

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Financial hardship sliding scale: A limited number of reduced-fee appointments are available each month for clients experiencing significant financial hardship. If you believe you may be eligible, please contact Tara to discuss your circumstances. Sliding scale places are limited and offered at Tara's discretion, subject to availability.

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The reduced hardship rate is offered in a limited number of places each month to those clients experiencing genuine financial hardship. A limited number of places can only be given in order for Signs of Abundance to maintain the quality, energy and sustainability of the counselling service.

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You are welcome to contact Tara directly to discuss this privately and respectfully if needed.

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What counselling means here

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Counselling isn’t about focusing on just one part of you. 

 

If you would like to understand more about counselling and how the process works, you can read my article:

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What is Counselling?

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Counselling is about looking at the whole picture—your thoughts, emotions, life experiences, behavioural patterns and, if it resonates with you, personal meaning and values. If it feels appropriate for you, counselling may also explore mindfulness or spiritual perspectives in a grounded and supportive way.

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Some sessions are simply about talking things through. Others may include practical tools, reflection, or deeper inner work.

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If it feels appropriate, we can also gently incorporate other modalities I’m trained in, such as hypnotherapy, guided journeys, or mindfulness. This is always led by you and what you’re comfortable with.

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Choosing a Counsellor

 

It is important to choose a counsellor with recognised professional credentials with a counselling registration such as the Australian Counselling Association regristration. At Signs of Abundance, Tara J Clarke is a professional member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

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As part of ACA membership requirements, Tara maintains ongoing professional development, regular clinical supervision, and adherence to the ACA Code of Ethics and Practice Standards, ensuring counselling is delivered safely, ethically, and to nationally recognised professional standards.

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This includes ongoing reflection on practice, maintaining client confidentiality, and engaging in continuous learning to support best-practice client care.

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You can learn more about Tara J Clarke's credentials here:

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You can view the ACA Code of Ethics and Practice Standards here

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What you can expect

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Your first induction counselling session is a little different from the ones that follow.

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This free induction session is for 30 minutes and includes a gentle introduction to the counselling process. During this time, we’ll talk through what’s brought you here, how I work, any questions you may have, and your consent and intake information—so you can feel informed, comfortable, and not rushed.

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To make it easier to get started, your first 30 minutes of the induction session is offered free and when you book, you only pay for 30 minutes, but receive a one hour induction session.

 

When booking online, simply select the First Session Rate (Pensioner/Student or Adult Rate) at checkout to access this.

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​If you are a student or pensioner, the first session is half price. The first 30 minutes are free, and you pay for the remaining 30 minutes. This means you book the full hour.

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Ongoing sessions are 50 minutes in duration and can be booked online, or via phone or email.

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The number of sessions varies from person to person and depends on your individual circumstances, needs and goals. We review this together as we go—and we’ll move at a pace that feels supportive and sustainable for you.

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There’s no pressure to commit beyond what you need.

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Areas of Support​

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Tara has a particular interest in supporting clients experiencing anxiety, grief, trauma, emotional overwhelm, behavioural patterns, and life transitions.

 

These include:

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• Anxiety, stress, or feeling overwhelmed. You can learn more about counselling for anxiety here

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• weight related behaviours or emotional eating

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• Low mood or depression

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• Grief, loss or abandonment including loss of pet

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• Trauma or past experiences that still feel present — learn more about trauma counselling and emotional wellbeing here

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• Self-worth, low self-esteem and low confidence

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• Feeling stuck, or with depression, unmotivated or at a crossroads

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• Breaking unwanted patterns or habits or fears

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• Smoking or vaping 

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• Bullying

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Anxiety, stress, or feeling overwhelmed — learn more about anxiety counselling support here.

 

Trauma or past experiences that still feel present — learn more about trauma counselling and emotional healing here.

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Grief, loss or abandonment including loss of pet — learn more about grief and loss counselling here.

 

You don’t need to fit into a category. If something is affecting you, it’s valid to bring it to your counselling session. ​​

How sessions feel​

At the core, this is a space where you can speak openly without being judged, rushed, or dismissed.

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Alongside listening, I may offer gentle guidance, practical tools, or simple ways to help you better understand what you’re experiencing and how to move through it.

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Over time, most people notice they feel clearer, more grounded, and more able to handle what life brings.

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Location & options

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Sessions are available:

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• In person in Palm Cove (Northern Beaches, Cairns). Once you book online, you will be emailed further details.

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• Online via Zoom or Teams

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It is important to choose a counsellor with appropriate professional training, qualifications and professional membership. At Signs of Abundance, Tara J Clarke is a professional member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).​ You can find out more about the Australian Counselling Association and you can find out more about that here

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You will always work directly with me, unless you agree to be referred to another counsellor.​

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Fees

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Your first session: The first 30 minutes is free.

 

If you prefer to upgrade to a 1 hour induction counselling session: You pay for only 30 minutes, in this one hour session. So if you are a pensioner, child, adolescent or student the 1 hour induction session works out to be half price overall. If you are an adult without concession, the 1 hour induction session is half price overall because you are receiving the first 30 minutes for free. Or if you just prefer to book the free 30 minutes induction session first, this is fine too. 

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Then after that, if you decide to continue counselling with Tara J Clarke at Signs of Abundance:

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Standard counselling sessions are currently on sale at an affordable $99 AUD for 50 minutes session and this is a special offer that is valid until the end of 2026.

 

For concession holders such as students, children, adolescents (I allow 19 years old and younger to have an adolescent rate) and pensioners, the rate is $79 AUD for 50 minute session of counselling. This rate is valid for counselling and/or spiritual counselling or holistic counselling sessions only. ​​​

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A note on hardship

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A few clients per month that are in severe financial hardship are able to take advantage of a sliding scale rate. If you believe you may be eligible, please contact Tara via email to discuss and arrange a concession booking code. The final rate will depend on your individual circumstances.

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Sliding scale:

 

A limited number of reduced-fee appointments are available each month for clients experiencing genuine financial hardship. Places are limited and subject to availability. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, you are welcome to contact Tara privately to discuss your circumstances and whether a sliding-scale appointment is available. Any agreed fee will be clearly discussed before sessions begin.

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Helpful Counselling Articles

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If you would like to explore more about counselling, emotional wellbeing, anxiety support, grief, trauma support, and online counselling, the following articles may help:

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• What is Counselling?

 

• Counselling for Anxiety in Cairns

 

• Counselling for Trauma & Emotional Support

 

• Grief & Loss Counselling

 

• More information on whether to choose to have your Counselling Sessions online or in-person – Online & In-Person in Palm Cove, Cairns

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These articles provide additional guidance and information about counselling support, emotional healing, and the therapeutic process.

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🌿 HOW TO BEGIN COUNSELLING WITH TARA J CLARKE IN CAIRNS OR ONLINE

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If you are looking for a counsellor in Cairns or online counselling throughout Australia, beginning the process is simple.

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You can book your first counselling session using the secure online booking links provided at the top of this page.

Signs of Abundance uses Halaxy, a secure practice management and appointment booking platform used by health and wellbeing professionals. Your booking information is handled privately and confidentially, allowing you to choose an available appointment time and complete the required intake information before your session.

Your first session is a gentle introduction where we can discuss what has brought you to counselling, what support you are looking for, and whether my counselling approach feels like the right fit for you.

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You can choose:

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🌿 In-person counselling in Palm Cove, Cairns Northern Beaches

Meet with Tara in a private counselling space in Palm Cove.

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🌿 Online counselling Australia-wide

Attend counselling from the comfort of your own home via secure video chat.

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If you would prefer to speak with me before booking, you are welcome to arrange a free chat by texting me on 0481336666 or emailing tara@signsofabundance.com.au

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Counselling is a personal process, and finding a counsellor you feel comfortable with is an important first step.

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When you’re ready

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You don’t need to wait until things get worse to talk to someone.

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If this feels like the right fit, you can book a session in person or online using the options below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is your approach to counselling?

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My counselling approach is primarily strengths-based, integrative, and psychodynamic. This means I work collaboratively with you at a pace that feels comfortable, always recognising and building on your existing strengths and resources rather than focusing solely on difficulties.

 

By understanding your past experiences through a psychodynamic lens, we can uncover deeper patterns and unconscious influences that shape your current challenges, providing meaningful insight, empowerment and fostering lasting change.

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At the same time, I use an integrative framework, which allows me to tailor sessions specifically to your unique needs. I may draw from a range of therapeutic modalities—including talk therapy, person-centred therapy, mindfulness practices, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), gestalt-informed and solutions focused therapy. 

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This combination works well because it honours the complexity of human experience, respects your individuality, and promotes both self-awareness and practical coping strategies. It creates a safe, supportive space where you can explore your story, connect with your inner strengths, and move confidently towards your goals.

 

Also, sometimes you may think that you need counselling when counselling may not be exactly what you need, every situation is unique. Where appropriate, hypnotherapy or guided inner work such as inner child healing or past life therapy—to support your healing and growth in the most effective way possible, may be a more appropriate trajectory for your healing journey or situation. This flexible approach ensures that therapy is personalised rather than rigid, empowering you to discover new perspectives and develop practical tools for wellbeing. If hypnotherapy or other modalities that are not counselling, are incorporated, the rates are not the same and you can learn more about other services offered by me on the home page here. 

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Do I need to know what to say before I come?

No. Many people arrive unsure of where to start, and that’s completely okay. Part of my role is to gently guide the conversation so you feel comfortable expressing what’s going on, in your own way and in your own time.

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Is everything I say confidential?

Yes. Your privacy is taken seriously, and what you share in sessions is kept confidential in line with professional counselling standards in Australia.

The only exceptions are if there is a legal requirement or a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, in which case appropriate support may need to be arranged.

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How do I know if counselling is right for me?

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If something in your life feels overwhelming, stuck, or difficult to manage on your own, counselling can be helpful. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Many people come simply because they want clarity, support, or a space to talk things through.

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How many sessions will I need?

This varies for each person. Many clients attend around 8 to 10 sessions for a specific issue, while others choose to continue for longer-term support. We review this together as we go, based on what feels right for you.

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What happens if I feel uncomfortable or unsure during a session?

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You’re always encouraged to speak openly about how you’re feeling, including if something doesn’t feel right. Counselling works best when you feel safe and supported, and we can adjust the approach to suit you.

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Can you include hypnotherapy or other techniques in counselling?

Yes, if it feels appropriate and you’re comfortable. I may gently incorporate techniques such as relaxation, guided journeys, or hypnotherapy. These are always optional and discussed with you first.

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Do you offer online counselling?

Yes. Sessions are available both in person in Palm Cove and online Telehealth via video chat with Microsoft Teams, making it accessible wherever you are.

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Online counselling sessions are available Australia-wide via secure video appointments using Microsoft Teams or Zoom. This allows you to access counselling support from the comfort and privacy of your own home, wherever you are located.

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Many clients choose online counselling because it offers greater flexibility, convenience, and comfort, particularly for those managing busy schedules, anxiety, stress, fatigue, health concerns, remote living, or emotional overwhelm. Online sessions can also feel easier for some people when beginning counselling for the first time.

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Online counselling with Tara provides the same supportive, grounded, and personalised approach offered in sessions, with appointments available for adults seeking support with anxiety, trauma, grief, emotional wellbeing, behavioural patterns, life transitions, and personal growth. More information on whether to choose to have your Counselling Sessions online or in-person – Online & In-Person in Palm Cove, Cairns

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What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

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Cancellations and Rescheduling: 

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At Signs of Abundance Counselling, we understand that life can be unpredictable. If you need to reschedule your appointment, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. With this notice, we can simply change your appointment to a new date with no extra charge.

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If you need to cancel or reschedule with less than 24 hours' notice due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, Tara is usually understanding and flexible for the first time only. However, if this happens more than once, we will need to charge you for the session to ensure fairness and keep our schedule running smoothly.

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If you do not attend your appointment and do not inform us (a no-show), you will be charged for the session. For clients who have prepaid, no refund will be given for missed appointments without 24 hours notice.

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We appreciate your cooperation with this policy, as it helps us provide quality care to all our clients. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Thank you for respecting our time and commitment to supporting you.

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What’s the difference between counselling and crisis support?

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Counselling provides a supportive space to work through life challenges over time. It is not designed for immediate or emergency situations.

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If you are in immediate distress or need urgent support, please contact:

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• Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 (24/7)

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• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

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• In an emergency, call 000

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Book or enquire with Tara

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To enquire or book a counselling session with Tara, you’re welcome to:

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• Text 0481 33 6666 to request a callback

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• Email tara@signsofabundance.com.au

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• Or use the booking buttons below

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• Or text or email Tara to arrange a free callback time

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Appointments with Tara can sometimes book out in advance, so it’s recommended to plan ahead where possible to avoid missing out on your preferred appointment time. If you have a regular day or time that suits you each week, securing those sessions early can help ensure continuity and avoid longer gaps between appointments. However if you prefer to come at different times in the week this is fine too, just try to book ahead to avoid disappointment in getting an available time that suits you. 

 

 

The link to the opening hours for Signs of Abundance, Counselling, Hypnosis and Healing are also shown below. If you choose to upgrade to the 1 hour session (recommended if you have an issue you would like to start working on straight away) just let Tara know on the form and she will extend your session time. 

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