Dr. Tara J Belsare, MD

     Both of my parents are from India. I grew up in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, which is a small town about an hour south of Iowa City. My undergraduate degree is a B.A. in Neurobiology from the University of California at Berkeley. My M.D. is from the University of Iowa, Carver School of Medicine. My internship and residency were with Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia, PA. I had worked for the State of NY, Greater Binghamton Health Center and the adult outpatient clinic, CTRC, for over 10 years. Contemplative Medicine was established in May of 2014 to allow a more holistic, relaxed pace of contact with clients. It allows me to practice psychiatry the way I think best. 

     I have had my own difficulties including a mood disorder, a personality disorder, an addiction issue, traumatic experiences, physical, psychological, and spiritual issues. I am human. The work I did on myself was ultimately the deciding factor of my progress in recovery. As such, I seek to share the tools I have found helpful, including meditation and mindfulness techniques with my clients. For example, I wrote about the technique I used to overcome cigarette cravings in the book Kick The Craving: Your Guide To Freedom (available on Amazon). Our individual spiritual journey is of great importance along our paths to emotional well being – as are good nutrition and exercise. Our relationships provide a forum in which we can demonstrate our strengths and challenges. Our conflicts in relationships can inform treatment directions. I will lead you to relevant resources and hold you accountable for working towards your own goals. Some of my guiding principles are:

May you find the benefit in walking part of your journey with us.

     Donald Doornbos, LCSW-R is an experienced private practitioner who works closely with our team in a supervisory capacity. Don has lost over 200lbs and kept it off for 10 years.  He has experience in breaking through personal barriers to success.

     He has been in practice with social work for over 30 years.  He is gentle, kind, and encouraging.  He works on a sliding scale and books his own appointments.  He is able to do phone sessions.  To make an appointment, please call 607-765-6597.

     I recently joined Contemplative Psychiatry to provide counseling services. I received my Master of Social Work Degree from Binghamton University. 

     I approach my work with individuals as a collaborative endeavor in which we work together to create an environment where being authentic and vulnerable in encouraged and honored. i strive to provide compassionate support and utilize therapeutic interventions based on each unique individual.

     Specialized Training:    

EMDR 

LGBTQQ+ Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

     For over 20 years, I’ve had the pleasure of helping people to create change in their lives. Everyone has a story to tell and, over the years, I’ve been honored to hold space for people as they have entrusted me to share in their journeys of vulnerability, strength and hope. I’m humbled by the many people who have taught me the transformative power of sharing their stories, identifying what has served them and what has not, finding their voices, and empowering themselves to seek a brighter future.

     I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I do, however, have the interest, skills, education and life experience needed to help you maximize your strengths and to help you work through your challenges, using the best of your skills and learning new ones.

     Although I’m happy to work with individuals, I have a special interest in couples work. I believe in the positive power of healthy relationships.

     I was born May 7th, 1988 and raised in Endwell, New York by my grandmother and my two brothers. I did not have a lot when growing up, but my grandmother did her best to raise us and to install good values in us. I was taught the meaning of hard work, integrity and the value of family. I am a mother and wife. What motivates me in life is my family as well as truly making a positive impact on others’ lives.

     I went through and graduated from Maine-Endwell High School in 2007. For College I hopped around a bit and transferred to different colleges in New York State before finally graduating from SUNY Empire College with my Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Human Services. 

     I struggled for almost 20 years with chronic pain/headaches, mental health issues, complicated grief and addiction issues. I personally had undergone many different medications, treatments, procedures, therapies, and supplements. In May of 2021, I had a miraculous breakthrough in my physical condition, which has had a positive outcome on all of my other issues.

     I am the administrative assistant here at Contemplative Medicine. If you reach out to the office, you have a 50% chance of reaching me. I work hard to make sure everyone’s needs are taken care of quickly, efficiently, and compassionately. I look forward to working with each and every person who finds themselves seeking help through this office.