LP, 39 years of experience
New to Grow
A few moments to introduce myself. Professionally I am known as I. Barry Bell, Ph.D. I am a 73-year-old, male, Caucasian Clinical Psychologist who has been in practice for 39 years. I have worked in a variety of settings, in both in-patient psychiatric hospitals and out-patient clinical settings. I have also maintained my own private practice from September 2016 to the present. Prior to receiving my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1985, I trained extensively as a Modern Dancer for 10 years. During these years I became deeply involved in emerging positive psychologies and Eastern/Buddhist/Taoist studies. This was the beginning of the interface between what is now referred to as Mindfulness based approaches to psychotherapy and Eastern philosophies, especially Buddhist. Mindfulness approaches to psychotherapy are now at the forefront of evidence-based interventions. I have spent more than the past 20 years studying and practicing the interface between psychotherapy and personal psychological growth. Over the years I have integrated various theoretical approaches, including depth psychodynamic theories. I will be happy to discuss my approach with you further should you choose to contact me to consider engaging in psychotherapeutic work with me.
During our first session will get the opportunity to get to know one another and explore what led to your wanting to seek psychotherapeutic services at this time. It will also enable me to obtain a better understanding of your personal history.
Much of what I wanted to convey about myself was covered in my first introduction section. Some points warrant further elaboration. I have now been involved in the study of the Religious Experience from a transcultural and transhistorical perspective, with special emphasis on Buddhism and Taoism, for some 40 years. As noted above, this has afforded me a deep dive into the emergence of Mindfulness based psychotherapeutic practices which have become the mainstream and cutting edge of current practice. Significant research has been conducted using Mindfulness based approaches with a broad spectrum of Psychodiagnostic problems. This research is “evidenced based” which has become the gold standard for determining treatment outcomes. Recently I was afforded the unique opportunity to attend the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. I was invited by senior trainers in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to attend a weeklong training. This training was the first level of training to become a trainer of trainers to conduct MBCT. I not only study this work, I practice it. I have practiced regularly for about 25 years. I belong to a Buddhist Sanga near where I live. The Won Buddhist sect from South Korea also established the Won Institute of Graduate Studies, in Warrington, PA. For the past 6 years I have been the Chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee on their Boad of Trustees. In addition to these practices, I am deeply committed to my daily yoga, meditation and Tai Chi practices.
The person who seeks psychotherapy with me should be genuinely motivated by their desire to find a resolution to their distress. Many people are reluctant to change, because it is uncomfortable. People who choose to work with me need to realize that psychotherapy is a process, a journey of discovery if you will. A journey that leads to greater well-being in one's life. This is not always easy, or comfortable.
Mindfulness based approaches help the client to investigate the root causes of the difficulties they are experiencing, and enable them to gain skills in being present with their experience. When able to do this the person has the opportunity to alleviate the symptom of distress.