A Therapist Who Looks Beyond the Surface

Close-up of a smiling Black woman with short, curly hair, wearing pearl earrings, a black and white polka dot dress, and a silver necklace with a pendant.

Meet La'Tarra Tynes-Whittaker

I genuinely love this work. I love helping people understand themselves, their relationships, and the patterns they may have been living in for years without fully realizing it.

When we work together, you can expect warmth, curiosity, and honesty. I'll listen closely and make space for your experience, but I won't simply sit back and agree with everything you say. I'll ask questions, help you make connections, and gently challenge you when I believe there's something worth looking at more closely.

With couples, I'm not interested in deciding who's right or wrong. I'm interested in understanding what keeps happening between you—what each of you is feeling, what you're trying to communicate underneath the argument, and why you keep ending up in places neither of you wants to be.

With individuals, we'll look beyond what's happening on the surface to understand the experiences, relationships, beliefs, and patterns that have shaped you—and decide what you want to carry forward and what you're ready to change.

Therapy with me is supportive, but it's also active. We'll talk, we'll reflect, we'll probably laugh sometimes, and we'll do the work—because I want you to see results.

My Story

I was born and raised in The Bahamas, and although I've now lived in three countries, being Bahamian is still a big part of who I am.

I moved to the United States to pursue my education and began my career as a therapist in Florida before life eventually brought me to Canada. Along the way, I've had the privilege of sitting with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life—and it's taught me something I carry into every session: our stories may look different, but our need to feel understood, connected, and loved is incredibly human.

My Caribbean roots have also shaped the way I think about family, relationships, community, and resilience. They've taught me not to make assumptions about what something should mean to someone, but to stay curious about their story and understand the experiences that made them who they are.

Training

I See the Person and the Relationship

I hold Master of Science degrees in both Couple & Family Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counselling. That training allows me to understand what's happening within you and between you and the people who matter to you—rather than treating them as separate problems.

Approach

We Will Get to the Root of What's Keeping You Stuck

Your history matters. We'll look at the experiences, relationships, and patterns that shaped how you respond today. But we won't stay there. Once we understand what's happening and why, we'll work on what needs to change.

ACTION

The Work Should Make a Difference Outside the Therapy Room

I'm not interested in insight for insight's sake. We'll turn what you learn about yourself into different choices, healthier patterns, stronger communication, and changes you can actually see and feel in your life and relationships.

What Sets Me Apart

MY DIFFERENCE

Training & Experience

I've been doing this work for more than 15 years, working with individuals, couples, and families through some of the most challenging and meaningful parts of their lives and relationships.

My training has been extensive and intentional, particularly in understanding both the individual and the relationships that shape our lives.

    • Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy

    • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    • Honours Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Criminology

    • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) - Advanced Training

    • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) - Advanced Training

    • Emotional Focused Therapy

    • Solution Focused Therapy

    • Trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

    • Registered Psychotherapist (RP)

    • Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC)

    • Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)

    • Registered Psychotherapist Supervisor

    • Delivered over 100 Professional Presentations

  • My work is informed by evidence-based approaches, including:

    • Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Levels 1, 2 & 3)

    • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

    • Gottman Trained in Treating Trauma & Affairs

    • Prepare/Enrich Facilitator

    • Gottman Relationship Checkup Certified

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Working With Me

Therapy that's collaborative, personalized, and intentional.

I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. You bring a unique history, real strengths, and specific challenges, and our work together reflects that.

I'll ask the questions that invite deeper reflection, help you see the patterns keeping you stuck, and build practical tools you can use long after our sessions end.

I won't tell you therapy is always easy. Some of the most meaningful conversations are the most uncomfortable ones. But if you're willing to show up curious, honest, and ready to do the work, therapy can become one of the best investments you'll ever make—in yourself, your relationships, and your future.