TAYLOR GARFF, INDIVIDUAL ONLINE THERAPIST IN IDAHO, UTAH, COLORADO, AND FLORIDA
Bring harmony back into your life.
My Journey To Becoming A Therapist
Just like the people I help, I'm human. I've lived through many highs and lows, and these experiences have shaped me and how I do my job.
From when I was young, people would say that I was good at listening and had a natural wish to help others. Growing up, I faced a lot of anxiety, which continued into my adult life. When I went to counseling in college, it was such a great experience that I knew I wanted to do this as a profession.
My life’s journey led me to become the therapist I am today. I went to Boise State University and got my Bachelor of Science in Social Science in 2012. Then in the fall of the same year, I started studying for my Master of Counseling degree at Idaho State University. By 2014, I had completed my Master's degree, and I've been working in the mental health field ever since. I feel lucky to do what I do - using my experiences to help others navigate their challenges. This journey has not only made me a better therapist but also a stronger person.
I Have Empathy For Others And Bring Warmth And Understanding To Sessions
I have a natural ability to:
Help people identify what they are feeling
Help people feel comfortable
Be flexible on the path of discovering what's going on
Accept people for who they are and in their current life circumstances
People who know me often say that I am a good listener who can sit with people at their worst and hear them when they are in that space.
Our Sessions Are Focused On You
Our sessions are focused on you. I will provide you with the space to feel what you need to feel. In feeling safe and comfortable, you'll be able to be yourself and explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals.
It's important to me to provide a non-judgmental space where you can be yourself and create safety within the session. There isn't a "one size fits all" approach to Counseling. Our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns.
My Guiding Principles
COMPASSION
I believe that change is possible when you allow yourself the space and compassion to do the work.
EMPATHY
I believe that empathy can change the world, and from me there is no shortage of it.
UNDERSTANDING
At my core, I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported.
TRAINING & EDUCATION
I’m committed to ongoing education & training to best support you.
Professional Disclosure Statement and Informed Consent
Licenses
Idaho - LCPC - https://dopl.idaho.gov/
Utah - CMHC - https://dopl.utah.gov/complaint/index.htm
Colorado - LPC - https://dpo.colorado.gov/ProfessionalCounselor
Florida - Telehealth Certificate - https://floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov
Certifications
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Level 1
HeartMath Clinical Certification for Stress, Anxiety, and Self-Regulation.
Boundaries in Psychotherapy
Learn More About My Specialties
My Therapy Style
"The heart has its own intelligence, and we can tap into it to regulate our emotions and enhance our overall well-being."
- Taylor Garff
Personal Bio
I am a human with a passion for reading, video gaming, baking, and watching Star Trek. As an introvert, working from home with my office manager (my cat) and HR (my dog) is the ideal work environment. I am currently based in South Eastern Idaho and often forced to enjoy the region's unpredictable weather patterns. I have even witnessed snow in June. Despite my location, I don’t like the outdoors or camping and would rather be sipping my tea indoors watching a show.
Resume
Work History
BetterHelp
March 2020 - March 2023
Mental Health Counselor, Idaho
Delivered personal counseling to adults across Idaho and Utah with varying concerns from depression to posttraumatic stress disorder.
Formulated and implemented plans to engage each person to assist in meeting their needs and goals.
Provided ongoing consulting to other BetterHelp clinicians.
Sullivan Mental Health Services, LLC
July 2014 – September 2021
Mental Health Counselor, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Delivered personal counseling to children and adults with varying diagnoses.
Completed comprehensive diagnostic assessments and evidence-based treatment plans for each client entering services.
Evaluated client progress utilizing measurable goals and determined the need for continued services.
Designed and implemented sliding fee scale and associated policies.
Collaborated with clinical director and staff in establishing updated policies and procedures.
Developed skills in court-ordered reunification counseling techniques for children and their parents.
Supervised ethical dilemmas for onsite colleagues.
Education
Idaho State University
Master of Counseling, Mental Health
Completed: May 2014
GPA: 3.74
CACREP
Boise State University
Bachelor of Science in Social Science
Completed: May 2012
GPA: 3.41
Cultural Background
Because of my experience helping people with their mental health in the community, I've worked with individuals from various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
Some mental health professionals use the term "cultural competence" to describe their understanding of different cultures. However, I prefer a different approach called cultural humility. This means recognizing that therapists who come from privileged backgrounds can never assume they know everything about other races.
Instead, it's our responsibility to actively learn about our own biases and understand how race and ethnicity affect others. We shouldn't rely on our clients to teach us these things.
Let’s Discover How I Can Help
Start feeling like yourself again. Get your free phone call where you can share what’s going on for you, and we can explore how I can help.