Dr. Tarra Bates-Duford, PhD, LMFT, MPhil, CRS, CMFSW

CEO and Founder of Family Matters Counseling Group, PLLC

Dr. Bates-Duford has engaged in extensive work and research on familial relationships, family trauma, and dysfunctions. She is known for her work with traumatic experience and symptom re-emergence. With nearly 20 years in the field of behavioral sciences, she has been instrumental in her work with stabilizing families, helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of mental illness, as well as victims of abuse/ trauma, reprocess the memory of the trauma in a manners that no longer paralyzes nor interferes with daily functioning. She is an accomplished author of children’s books covering topics such as, conduct disorder, ADHD, parenting a child with special needs, and trauma.

Dr. Tarra Bates-Duford is a Forensic Psychologist specializing in familial dysfunctions and trauma. She has a PhD in Forensic Psychology and is double Mastered in Marriage, Couples and Family Therapy and a master’s in psychology. She is also a Board-Certified Professional Counselor and a Certified Relationship Expert #15221.

Dr. Tarra Bates-Duford has extensive experience as a separation and divorce mediator. She also has had many years of experience as a therapist working with couples and families. Dr. Bates-Duford has earned the distinct designation as a Certified Relationship Specialist with Diplomate Status (advanced standing). Her experience and extensive research on relationships has earned her the distinct recognition as a relationship expert with American Psychotherapy Association (very few mediators have achieved this status).

Dr. Tarra Bates-Duford was recognized on May 21, 2020, as a  Young Social Impact leader for her work, research, and expertise in trauma.

Dr. Bates-Duford was awarded the Humanitarian Award by AASECT: American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counseling, and Therapists on May 23rd, 2024 for her work and advocacy with sexual trauma and sex trafficking.

Wake County NAMI Board member

Associations

• AAMFT
• APA
• ACFEI
• ACA