Caring Hearts, Healing Paws: Meet Tara & Ruthie- Creative, Compassionate Support for Kids and Families

August 26, 2025

Healthy Living

We’re thrilled to introduce a joyful new addition to our Fortify Christian Counseling family—Tara Vines, LPC-S, and her certified therapy dog, Ruthie! Together, this dynamic duo brings a warm and compassionate approach to child and family counseling that blends professional excellence with heart-centered care.

Tara Vines and Ruthie — Tara Vines, LPC-S, and her certified therapy dog, Ruthie are ready to help children process emotions and overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, ADHD, and school-related struggles.

Tara Vines, LPC, brings more than 25 years of experience and a heart full of compassion to her work with children and families. With degrees from Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she has faithfully served young people in both local schools and the community, offering support through life’s highs and lows. Rooted in her Christian faith and grounded in evidence-based practices, Tara’s approach to counseling is as thoughtful as it is effective. “Kids need to feel safe, connected, and truly seen before they can grow,” she explains. That belief shapes her child-centered, creative counseling style where trust comes first and healing naturally follows.

One of the most beloved members of Tara’s team is Ruthie, a beautiful goldendoodle and certified therapy dog (Pet Partners). Ruthie’s calm and gentle nature puts children at ease and helps create a welcoming, supportive space. Together, Tara and Ruthie offer animal-assisted therapy, a proven method that uses the presence of trained animals to enhance emotional connection and reduce anxiety. Tara uses a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and expressive techniques like play therapy, art therapy, and walk-and-talk sessions, all tailored to fit each child’s unique needs. Her goal is not only to help children process emotions and overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, ADHD, and school-related struggles—but also to guide parents in understanding their children’s behaviors and building stronger, more nurturing connections at home.

Equally important is Tara’s work with parents. She partners with moms and dads to help them understand their child’s behaviors and develop stronger, more nurturing relationships at home. Her goal is to help children grow in confidence, anchored in who God created them to be, and to empower parents to guide with insight and grace. Tara primarily works with children ages 4 to 13, but she also sees older teens and college-aged young adults on a case-by-case basis. Fortify has other counselors, male and female, who also work with children, teens, and adults. Tara and other licensed counselors are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance.

At Fortify, we believe healing is a journey. With Tara and Ruthie, children have a guide who sees their hearts, honors their stories, and helps them flourish.You can meet Tara and Ruthie at the Celebrate the Family Expo on September 13, 2025 and learn more about this dynamic duo.

Watch the video below to learn more about Tara and Ruthie and how they can serve you!