Dr. Tarra Bates-Duford is a forensic psychologist, relationship therapist and Speaker. She 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. 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.