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. Since I left state employment, I have been working part time for the Addictions Center of Broome County.

     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.

     I am a mother, a meditative practitioner, and a regular human being. My special mixture of down-to-earthiness compliments my ability to assess and address problematic thinking patterns and help you to focus on what is most important and make purposeful life choices. I celebrate uniqueness and encourage you to flourish in your own way. Why? Because I chose to celebrate my own special path by finding meditation, mindfulness and healthy perspective shifting. I want to push you to new ways of thinking, find new and efficient ways of understanding the world, and help you set practical and attainable goals so you can transform into whatever it is you want to be.

     I received my BA in Psychology as well as my Master of Social Work at Binghamton University. I am originally from a small town (Montgomery, NY) two hours south of the Southern Tier. I have been working as a clinical therapist for seven years helping adults with trauma, anxiety, depression, and chemical dependency problems. It is my mission to guide you toward your greatest abilities and help you to utilize your full potential.

     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 was born into a Scottish family with deep sensitivity and spiritual gifts. Over twenty years ago, I was drawn to the holistic healing arts when I began my search for personal healing and truth. This search has inspired me to live in ashrams, engage in a wide range of direct spiritual practices including meditation, mantra recitation, traditional Native American sweat lodges and ceremonies, engage with shamans, and begin to learn the arts myself. 

     I am Reiki master practitioner and shamanic healer who has been in practice for ten years. I am committed to giving back to the community that which has been selflessly given to me through pure acts of love by others.

     I graduated from the Binghamton University College of Public Affairs in 2017. I specialize in adolescent addiction and mental health. I am passionate about working with youth but also work with adults. I create an environment of unconditional positive regard while incorporating evidence based practices, holistic practices, irreverent communication, and a sense of humor.

     If you are interested in healing work, mental health therapy, and/or have any further questions, please contact Becky at 607-238-7023 for a consultation.

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change." ~~Carl Rogers

     I recently joined Contemplative Psychiatry to provide counseling services. I received my Master of Social Work Degree from Binghamton University. I also work at Southern Tier Aids Program as the Behavioral Health Coordinator and Educator.

     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

      I grew up here locally, in Binghamton NY. I have seen the need and the lack thereof of mental health providers for this area. I received my Master of Social Work degree from Binghamton University. I have been working in the field of Families and Youth for 15 years and currently work for Hillside Family of Agencies.

     I am open-minded, non-judgmental, and spiritual. I am accepting of all people, no matter their walk in life. I believe in individuality and that everyone doesn’t fit in set molds. I believe in the power of a positive attitude and of mindfulness of body, mind and soul.

     I also have a background in Addiction and Recovery. I, myself, come from a family of people who have had and have struggled with mental health and addiction issues and have recovered. I believe in the effective nature of utilizing a narrative approach and working through issues using cognitive behavioral therapy(cbt). I look forward to meeting new clients and to help them progress in the areas of their life they want help in. As long as the client wants the help, I am willing to meet them wherever they’re at.

   Christie was born and raised in the southern tier area. She graduated in 2005, and went into the customer service field at the age of 16. For 18 years Christie has been a jill of all trades working everywhere from restaurants, call centers, sales positions, and most recently reception work, specializing in making people smile. She has 3 beautiful children and enjoys yoga, coffee, and karaoke whenever possible. 

      I was born in Albany, New York and raised in Corning New york. I graduated from Whitney Point High School in 1996. I worked various gas station and fast food jobs until 1999 when I became a Certified Nurses Aide. I returned to school at DCMO BOCES in 2004 and Graduated in 2005. I took and passed my boards in April of 2005 and worked Long Term Care until 2008 when I started at the Binghamton Psychiatric Center. I worked with OMH until October of 2017. I very much enjoy working in mental health and aim to make all of my clients feel like friends. I am easy to talk to and get along well with most everybody. I am the mother of 3 adult children and I have 2 grandchildren whom I absolutely adore. I am in a loving and committed relationship with a magnificent man and friend.My life finally seems to be on the right track. I am here to help in any way I can get you on the right path and live a happier healthier life.  

      I was born in Allentown PA, raised in “many towns” NJ. I'm a loving mom to 5 beautiful children, and a wife to their father for almost 13 years. When I was asked as a little girl “what do you want to be when you grow up?” I've ALWAYS answered “A MOMMY!”. Boy did I succeed in that, with great kids, and a great father to my children and husband to me I truly am blessed, at 32 years old, I wouldn’t change a thing! 

     From very early on, helping people , and animals have always been a huge passion of mine. From bringing in strays as a child, to helping my younger brother get out of trouble. Helping anyone I could was my favorite thing to do. We would visit my great grandmother after she was put in her nursing home quite often, me noticing the relationship she had with her aide, seeing how beautiful and strong their bond was, from that very moment I knew immediately that’s what I wanted to be. So I did, after working as a manager in McDonalds during high school until I was 18, I went to school as fast as I could to become a C.H.H.A ,along with acquiring my P.C.A as well. Started working in a facility full time, and took cases on the side to care for residents in their home. Gosh how I loved my job, the proudness I felt in my job title , you couldn’t tell me ANYTHING! I was on top of the world. Then suddenly it just wasn’t enough, so back to school I went to become a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) with that being my sole career for the past decade, I’ve worked in a range of Private practice Primary Care doctors offices, to huge hospitals, ranging from assisting in Women’s Health, Podiatry. Pediatrics, Cardiology, XRays, Labs, and everything in-between! With my future goal now being to return to school yet again (once all my children are in at least 5th grade) so many years from now, to receive my degree in Nursing. I plan on working On the Labor and Delivery floor , being a NICU nurse, with that being an absolute dream of mine! 

     Recently joining Contemplative Medicine, has been an absolute blessing in itself! I love my job, my boss, my coworkers and everything this Private Practice stands for. Dr. Belsare is the most beautiful soul in human form, calling me in for an interview only hours after submitting my resume to the job post, giving me this wonderful opportunity to learn more and a chance to become a part of this beautiful family! I look forward to guiding you all to our place of happiness so you too can acquire the help that’s specific to you! “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin”  - Anthony Robbins