In Person Therapists in Belchertown, MA

I practice soul work, helping restore and heal our connection to our deepest Self. I especially work with military and veterans, spiritual seekers, writers and artists in all genres, mid-life crises, men's issues, trauma and abuse survivors. I welcome clients seeking positive and comprehensive growth and change, a discovery or restoration of their gifts and creativity, and a deep healing relationship "out of the box." I do not practice conventional therapy for merely repairing our issues and adjusting to unhappy conditions. Rather, I nurture the unique soul and spirit in each person toward achieving meaning and creativity.

My social work training encouraged deep listening and respect. "To begin where the client". From my trainings in Psychosynthesis, Spiritual Direction, Grief work and EMDR my focus is on the possibility of healing and change. From many years working with clients in 12 step programs I have seen close up how transformation happens. I work directly with Tara Brach's RAIN process which is Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nuture. This process helps bring compassion and acceptance to all those cut off parts of ourselves. I mostly work short term and stay focused on the goals we set together.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have over thirty years of clinical experience working in various settings. I am genuinely interested in learning about what is important to my clients and starting where they are at. I have a long history of working in both the individual and family services industry and am skilled in working with all ages. I have specialized trainings in trauma therapies, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), and in grief & bereavement.

My 30+ years of experience have shown me that learning, change and healing are possible. Therapy is a process of learning about yourself, accessing your feelings and beliefs and gaining clarity. Therapy can assist you in breaking through limitations that can block growth and your capacity for intimacy. Therapy often involves healing from old wounds and trying out new ways of coping and responding to life's demands. I work with individuals, couples and families. I also have specialization in stress management, communication, recovery from addictions and other compulsions. We work together to find out what will work for you.

Life does not go according to a plan or road map, as much as we would like it to. Sometimes we need a little help in regaining our focus or footing. Do you need someone to help you find your inner strength to be the best possible version of yourself? Are you ready to make a change in your life but not sure how to go about it? Maybe you need to make a change but are not quite ready. If you said yes to any of these or have other concerns, I would like to help you.

WHAT GOOD IS A THERAPY IF YOU CAN'T COMPLETELY TRUST YOUR THERAPIST? CONFIDENTIALITY MUST BE "CARVED IN STONE". There is an illusion of privacy that truly doesn't exist when using insurance for your therapy. Personal details and a "Clinical Diagnosis" labeling you with a MENTAL ILLNESS is entered into permanent files, and can be accessed far more easily than you realize. FOR YOU TO FEEL SAFE & AUTHENTIC IN YOUR THERAPY, I DO NOT TAKE INSURANCE, OR KEEP CLINICAL NOTES & HAVE NO "PAPER TRAIL". What I Do Have is a Deep Devoted Love for this Work, and Great Respect for your Very Personal Choices on Your Life's Journey.

I specialize in using mindfulness, meditation, movement, nutrition, supplementation, and holistic modalities. I enjoy working with people seeking to make a change in their health and discover their inner-potential. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults, elderly, couples and families.

Finding a good therapist who fits your style and needs is difficult. Therapy is a process built on a good client/therapist connection. I have an easy going, calm approach to therapy that meets the client wherever they are at. Therapy with me is a combination of talking and listening. We take turns. Sometimes I have openings, sometimes not. Leave a message. If you don't hear from me within a few days, I likely am not taking new clients at this time. I love being a therapist, while trying to balance work and other parts of my life.

Has your loss been life-changing - perhaps deeply disorienting? Are friends and family expecting you to get over it, but you simply can't? I have been a grief counselor for over 25 years, and have worked with all sort of loss issues. While grief can be crazy-making and terribly painful, I know that with grace and in time, you can discover safe, effective ways of moving through your grief and learn to live well again.

Life is forever changing. We look for purpose, a passion + a sense of belonging. Difficulties arise and suffering is inevitable. Adapting or accepting circumstances is a process. Therapy offers a space to talk, consider options, acknowledge pain + find new perspective. The slightest shift of the mind can inspire hope, with this, possibility emerges.

Ready to dive deep? As a graduate of Hartford Family Institute, I am a seasoned guide with 40 years of experience. I’m here to help you untangle life's complexities in a friendly, down-to-earth manner. Would you like more joy and satisfaction in your life? Are you longing to be your more authentic self? I would be happy to meet and give you my genuine, compassionate attention. I have 40 years of experience helping people take a deep dive into how they got to where they are, untangle the gnarled web beneath the surface and understand themselves in new and empowering ways.

My role as a psychologist is to help you learn, get unstuck, and take control in your life. By creating a safe, nonjudgmental space, I hope to encourage your sense of connection, empowerment, and insight as we address your concerns. I believe the quality of the therapist-client relationship is the most important foundation of good therapy, and I work collaboratively with clients using several approaches, including CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based psychotherapy.

It has been my privilege to work as a clinical social worker/therapist for over 25 years. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults and elders. Each client presents a unique set of needs and strengths.

I work with adults, adolescents and children. I am especially interested in helping men improve their communication skills in intimate relationships, and, in parenting; fostering their ability to identify and articulate their feelings, and, being more empathic of the other person.

Searching for a therapist can be one of the most difficult parts of coping, healing, and self-empowerment, because it's the first thing you must do. You must force yourself out of your comfort zone and out of whatever routine you've had before, to take the initiative and embark on a new path. When we're at our best, stepping out of our comfort zones can be daunting; when we're feeling vulnerable, it can seem nearly impossible. No matter what prompted you to take this first step, I'd like to be there for your second.

Tarn was adopted and raised in Southern Vermont on a farm. She has always loved helping others so the decision to become a therapist came easy. She first attended Community College in Vermont before continuing on to earn a BA in Sociology from Smith College in Northampton, MA. Tarn then attended the Smith College School for Social Work where she earned a Masters in Social Work (MSW). She has since worked in a variety of positions throughout her career which have assisted her in becoming an eclectic therapist with a wealth of knowledge in several facets of social work and life.

My ideal clients are interested in improving their self awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I treat any of the following issues: depression, anxiety, anger, substance abuse, relationship issues, sexual behaviors, trauma, domestic violence, low self-esteem, eating disorders, attention deficit difficulties, autism, schizophrenia, stress management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, child behavior and attitude problems, school behavior, low motivation, weight loss, quitting smoking, grief and loss of a loved one, divorce, parenting issues, co-dependency, pain management, social skills development, bi-polar disorder, abusive family situations, work problems, shame/inappropriate guilt, and negative thinking but treat many more issues.

My favorite kinds of conversations are about feelings and perceptions. If you work with me you will be encouraged to settle and stay with those feelings and perceptions that feel true to you. Within the comfort of a safe therapeutic relationship, we will follow your inner leadings. Sometimes therapy can be deeply sobering. But in every instance, as illusions fall aside we rediscover the joy and vitality that comes with clarity. I strive to provide a warm, accepting and nurturing curiosity within which clients can feel safe to explore their leadings and concerns and thereby regain their confidence.

We are all on our own life path. The path isn’t always straight forward. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, sometimes we need a little focus or footing. Life can be difficult to navigate, but together we will work to identify solutions to your detours, hurtles and obstacles so you can regain your footing and get you back on your life’s path. I work with individuals age 10-65 in person (Palmer Office) and virtually.