Thom Barry
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience helping clients. I am a proud ‘Appalachian-American’ that was born and raised deep in the mountains of Upper Northeast TN.
Although many of my personal life experiences are about what one would expect of someone growing up in East TN (cue BBQ ribs & banjo music🪕), my work experience have been vastly different.
Although many of my personal life experiences are about what one would expect of someone growing up in East TN (cue BBQ ribs & banjo music🪕), my work experience have been vastly different. I have been quite fortunate to get to work with individuals from quite literally all walks of life. I have worked with clients from preschool to post retirement. Thanks to the internet I have been able to help individuals across the globe, from various cultures, diverse religious beliefs, race, gender spectrums, socioeconomic status, etc. One thing I have learned in my work with all of these individuals is that although each of their stories are unique, ultimately, they all seek/want the same core things. I think much of my success in working with a wide assortment of clients is that I attempt to be open, understanding, curious and cultivate a nonjudgmental atmosphere for our sessions. The working relationship between a therapist and their client is a key factor to client’s achieving treatment goals.
First session
The first time meeting a new therapist can be quite intimidating for a new client. So I attempt to make the first session as laid back and stress free as possible. More often than not, new client's will remark at the end of their first meeting with me "this is not nearly as bad I thought it would be." Often first the session is spent getting a glimpse of a client's daily life (work, family, friendships, hobbies, etc.). Then we will discuss their purpose in seeking therapy at this time and what they hope to work on/what they want to change. We begin creating treatment goals and objectives from this conversation. Towards the end of the session, I will review general processes such as scheduling, cancellation/no show policies, frequency of sessions and answer any of the questions they may have regarding the therapy process. Put more simply, we are just two people having a conversation about life.
Strengths
My goal as a clinician is to help equip my clients with tools, resources and critical reasoning so that they don't need me forever . My hope for clients is that they can use what they have learned long after we stop meeting so they can be their own therapist. Studies have shown that one of the most important things a good therapist can provide for their clients that is long lasting is a perspective shift. Rather than write an obligatory mini essay about my strengths as prompted (yikes) , I'm going to list some adjectives clients have described me as over the years in surveys and feedback forms: “Respectful” “Humble” “Curious” “Compassionate” “Adaptable” “Reliable” “Collaborator” “Critical Thinker” “Creative” “Reflective” “Straight Shooter” “Solution Focused” “Humorous, Light Hearted” 'Dot Connector'-ess (aka Discernment) “Hopeful” “ Amazing Unicorn”
Ideal clients
I have been quite fortunate to get to work with individuals from quite literally all walks of life and life stages . I have worked with clients from preschool to post retirement (4yo-95yo). Thanks to the internet I have been able to help individuals across the globe, from various cultures, diverse religious beliefs, race, gender spectrums, socioeconomic status, etc. One thing I have learned in my work with all of these individuals is that although each of their stories are unique, ultimately, they all seek/want the same core things. I think much of my success in working with a wide assortment of clients is that I attempt to be open, understanding, curious and cultivate a nonjudgmental atmosphere for our sessions.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been through several hundred hour trainings by the Beck Institute (founder’s of the CBT model). This model is used to treat/address a wide variety of problems. I attempt to understand how my client sees their problem(s) and the most bothersome parts about their problem. Once I have this understanding I tailor this model to their specific needs/wants. The simplest way to explain this model to someone new to it: Situations that occur in our lives are not inherently good , bad or in between. Who determines that? You! ——Our thoughts interpret , our feelings call us to action/inaction and our behavior responds. Use of this model often involves working to develop a client’s hindsight, foresight and eventually insight.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have been through several in depth trainings in the application of DBT to address a range of issues . DBT is a great tool to utilize with most clients as it’s primary focus is on interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness based skills, distress tolerance and emotion regulation. Many of the problems that we face in our day to day lives ( severe anxiety, depression, poor impulse control, stress, spousal/relationship conflict, anger issues) would be lessened and/or resolved through client’s using one or a combination of these tools.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
This modality informs much of my treatment style in working with clients. I often say client’s dont come to me with their problems but rather they come to me with their solutions that haven’t worked. Often we can become so consumed with our problems it overwhelms our ability to accurately understand our capacity to enact change. This model is most effective in attaining gains in a much more expedient timeline than traditional therapy methods. Does not mean that the individual’s problems disappear all at once but rather it’s best used to build a sense of confidence and self efficacy to approach bigger issues. Best way to eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Eclectic
Yeah. Some might refer to my style as ‘eclectic’ which in some sense can have negative connotations. This is a strength as I am a bit of a Swiss Army knife and teach my clients how to become a Swiss Army knife in their daily lives. One doesn’t always feel they need all the tools (like a miniature pair of scissors or cork screw opener) that the Swiss Army knife has to offer until a very specific situation calls for it.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Christian
Man
Person of Color (POC)
White
Top specialties
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Other specialties
ADHD
Anger Management
Coping Skills
First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Life Transitions
Men's Issues
Older Adults
Trauma and PTSD
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Family Conflict
Gender-fluid
Individual Therapy
Man
Non-binary
Woman
Doesn't specialize in
Couples Counseling
Family Therapy
Licensed in
TennesseeLicense 7131