Tarah Groettum

Bears Counseling PLLC is a private, telehealth-based practice founded and solely operated by Tarah Groettum, MSEd, LPCC. The practice ONLY offers virtual therapy services for convenience and accessibility Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional availability considered on a case-by-case basis depending on individual needs. Meet Tarah Groettum, MSEd, LPCC Founder & Owner, Bears Counseling PLLC My name is Tarah Groettum, and like many, I have a long and deeply personal story—one that has profoundly shaped my professional path and the way I connect with those I serve. I believe that the strongest therapeutic connections are built not only through education and training but also through shared humanity and lived experience. While I may not have walked in your shoes, there may be parts of my journey that feel more familiar to you than you might expect. As a teenager, I struggled to find a trusted adult who could truly hear and understand me. I lacked guidance, insight, and emotional support, which led me to rely solely on myself. This early experience now informs the empathy and attunement I bring when working with children and adolescents who may feel isolated or misunderstood. I strive to be the kind of supportive adult I once needed—one who listens without judgment and builds trust with patience and authenticity. In 2000, just three days before my high school graduation, I gave birth to my daughter. Becoming a parent at that time was both a challenge and a turning point—it gave me purpose and ignited a passion for understanding and advocating for children with unique needs. For many years, I navigated the complexities of single parenting while working three part-time jobs and attending college full-time. At the same time, I was seeking answers for my daughter’s emotional and sensory challenges, which were later explained by a diagnosis of PDD-NOS at age nine. Sadly, like many children, she spent years being misunderstood and underserved by the systems and people meant to support her—including myself, before I had the knowledge I now possess. In 2007, I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology. Two weeks later, I married my high school sweetheart, and in 2008, we welcomed our son. He remained non-verbal until age four and a half and, like his sister, was later diagnosed with autism. That journey, too, required significant advocacy, persistence, and countless hours of therapy, research, and programming—much of which I implemented myself based on my growing knowledge of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and developmental supports. These personal experiences led me to pursue my master’s degree in counseling from the University of Wisconsin–Superior (2012–2015), where I founded and led several student organizations, including the Veteran and Nontraditional Student Center (VNSC), Got Kids (a parent support group), and Beta Nu Phi (a counseling honors society). Between 2015 and 2021, many things transpired, but two milestones stand out. In 2019, my husband and I began raising our great-nephew, who came to live with us at just four days old. Starting over in our late 30s with a newborn—while our older children were already teenagers—was both unexpected and incredible. Navigating the complexities of kinship care, foster regulations, court proceedings, and the transfer of permanent legal and physical custody (TPLPC) was challenging, but the experience has been a profound gift. In 2021, after years of advocating for others and researching autism extensively, I chose to undergo my own autism evaluation. Given my family history, early developmental differences, and longstanding personal experiences that defied easy explanation, I sought clarity for myself. Following a comprehensive assessment process that included input from my mother and husband—who has known me since we were teenagers—I received a formal autism diagnosis. This brought not only validation but a deeper sense of self-understanding. I then pursued a professional specialization in autism, recognizing that my lived experience—alongside my roles as a parent and clinician—positions me to offer truly informed and compassionate care. Over the years, I have worked across various mental health settings and organizations, gaining training and experience in outpatient therapy, day treatment, ABA settings, trauma-focused interventions, and more. Each role expanded my knowledge and sharpened my skills, but my passion has always remained constant: advocating for and supporting individuals and families affected by autism and related challenges. Bears Counseling PLLC was born out of this passion. My mission is to ensure that others do not go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, that they do not feel alone or misunderstood, and that they have access to the support, resources, and guidance they deserve. I strive to promote self-compassion, acceptance, and empowerment in every client I serve. If you’re navigating a journey that feels overwhelming, isolating, or uncertain—please know that you are not alone. You are capable. You are worthy. And yes, you are amazing, too! Approach to Therapy At Bears Counseling PLLC, our therapy approach is built on a foundation of empathy, compassion, dedication, and authenticity. We strive to create a safe, supportive space where our clients feel heard, understood, and validated as they explore their most vulnerable thoughts and feelings. We believe in fostering a collaborative relationship with each individual and family. Together, we work to strengthen, build, and develop the skills and tools necessary to help clients feel successful and empowered in every area of their lives. Our goal is for you to never feel like you’re navigating this journey alone. Client-Led Sessions At Bears Counseling PLLC, we view therapy as a partnership, with the client leading the way. You have the freedom to determine what you want and need from each session and how you want to approach goal creation. It’s a team effort, and we are here to provide support and engage additional team members if necessary. We follow your lead—whether that means diving deep into tough topics right away or taking the time to build trust and rapport first. We are flexible and will meet you exactly where you are, adjusting our approach to best fit your needs in the moment. A Flexible and Adaptive Approach At Bears Counseling PLLC, every session is unique because every individual’s journey is different. Some days you may want to dive right into the deep work, while other days may call for a gentler approach. We tailor our style to what you need at the time, ensuring that we address whatever concerns, struggles, or challenges are at the forefront of your mind. This adaptability ensures that therapy remains relevant, effective, and aligned with your needs—no matter where you are in your process. Together, we’ll navigate this journey, with a focus on your growth, healing, and ultimate success—one step at a time. Bears Counseling PLLC utilizes the Simple Practice EHR platform, a HIPAA-compliant service designed to ensure the confidentiality and security of all client information. Simple Practice is user-friendly and offers: -Encrypted and protected documentation exchange -Self-pay options -Self-scheduling capabilities -Text/email scheduling reminders -Document upload feature for easy access to your files -Convenient instant message exchange for ongoing communication -This platform is designed to make your experience as seamless and accessible as possible, allowing you to focus on your therapy without unnecessary barriers. Scheduling a Session: -Confirm insurance coverage and co-pay (if applicable) through your insurance provider. -To confirm your coverage, please contact the member services number on the back of your insurance card to verify if Bears Counseling PLLC/Tarah Groettum is in-network and inquire about your co-pay or other costs associated with therapy sessions. -Review and agree to the applicable session fees. -Contact us via phone or email and let us know your preferred days and times for sessions. We will do our absolute best to accommodate your availability and schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Private Pay Options: If you prefer to pay out-of-pocket (via cash, check, or card), you do not need to verify insurance coverage. We can simply coordinate the time and day that works best for you.