Tara Godhwani

Dr. Tara Godhwani earned her Master of Science in Counseling from Southern Methodist University (CACREP Accredited) and her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of North Texas (CACREP Accredited). She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling at Southern Methodist University, Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, National Certified Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, Certified Child-Centered Play Therapy practitioner, and Certified Child-Parent Relationship Therapy practitioner. Dr. Godhwani serves as the Clinic Director for the Center for Family Counseling where she supervises Practicum and Internship level Master’s students, as well as oversees the overall functioning of the clinic.

Dr. Godhwani has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families with various presenting concerns in private practice, community agencies, elementary schools, and university clinics. Prior to pursuing a career in counseling and counselor education, Dr. Godhwani worked with numerous nonprofit agencies supporting children in need. These experiences deepened her commitment to children's emotional well-being, ultimately inspiring her to specialize in play therapy with a focus on developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive counseling practices. Dr. Godhwani is an author and an international speaker, focusing on a variety of topics relating to play therapy, child-parent relationship training, relational practices for counselors and counselor educators, cultural responsiveness in counseling, and ethics. While play therapy, counseling, and counselor education are her professional passions, Dr. Godhwani's deepest joy comes from her role as a Mom to her two toddlers.