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 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

     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.