Tara Norton

My Story

My name is Tara. I am a student in my final year of the clinical mental health counseling program at Lenoir Rhyne-Asheville. I studied Psychology and Art at New College of Florida, took a gap year in Argentina, and then moved right along to obtain my master’s degree here in Asheville. 

I aim to be my most authentic self, and I hope to create a space where others can do the same. My dream is to walk alongside clients as they grow into the people they want to be. People tell me that I have a grounding, relaxing presence that expresses genuine care. I strive to be open-minded and easy-going. I have a decade of experience working with youth, and I look forward to applying that experience in my counseling. 

In my therapeutic practice, I prefer a collaborative, experiential approach that integrates my client’s passions and interests. Experiential therapy, in the form of expressive arts and play therapy, has been very fulfilling to me in my role as a counselor. My goal is to keep our sessions varied and expansive, with the mindset that anything and everything can be therapeutic when it is well utilized. I am drawn to Adlerian and existential theories. Through my years in summer camp counseling, nannying, working in schools, and addiction recovery counseling, I learned the power of play when connecting with others. 

I feel called to specialize in counseling queer and neurodivergent populations, as I can understand those perspectives from first-hand experience. I personally identify as non-binary and pansexual. Asheville’s queer community has been incredibly welcoming to me, and I wish to give back to the community that has given so much to me. Queer-friendly counseling is very close to my heart. I am diagnosed with ADHD and Autism. I love to help clients learn to live life in a world that was not fully made for them. My goal is to help clients learn coping skills and self-acceptance. 

My job outside of work and internship is a Direct Support Specialist at the Autism Society of North Carolina, where I support folks on the Autism Spectrum as they navigate daily challenges that come along with Neurdivergence. I am number five of six children to divorced parents. My favorite card game is Egyptian Rat Slap. I have been known to eat ice cream for breakfast on occasion. In my free time, I love to adventure outdoors, travel, dance, create art, hike, rock climb, and spend time with loved ones. 

Areas of Focus:

• Expressive Arts Therapy

• Play therapy

• Queer/LGBTQ+ counseling

• Identity exploration

• ADHD & Autism Spectrum 

• Children of Divorce