Dr. Joanne Barian (Dr. Jo!) has a doctoral degree in Holistic Psychotherapy and Wellness, and a masters degree in Social Work. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) that specializes in a variety of different areas including, but not limited to; teens, adults, couples, and families struggling with addictions, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, abuse, trauma, PTSD, self-harm and eating disorders, as well as LGBTQ+, and transgender related issues.
Prior to joining Polaris Counseling, Dr. Jo has had extensive experience working in a variety of different clinical environments, ranging from a clinical director role at ALIVE working directly with victims of domestic violence, to managed care evaluation and certification, as well as private practice and natural disaster emergency crisis response care. After 29 years of working in the mental health industry, Dr. Jo has developed an eclectic approach to treatment that combines cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance and commitment (ACT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). She also likes to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into the treatment process and emphasizes a solution-focused model of treatment. Dr. Jo likes to focus on helping individuals live fulfilling and meaningful lives while managing difficult thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
Dr. Jo’s therapy style is warm, compassionate, validating, reassuring, interactive, and focused on solutions rather than problems, labels, or a specific diagnosis. She believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and doesn’t believe in stigmatizing individuals. She takes great pride in building a rapport and connection with her clients, while creating an environment that fosters trust, safety, validation, connection, and growth!
What people are saying about Dr. Barian:
“I am very happy that I got the chance to work with Dr. Jo – She is non-judgmental and really listens to you. She has a unique ability to understand people from ALL backgrounds and socioeconomic levels, and helps to get to the core of what is holding a person back in their current life situations. Her passion for her work is visible in everything she does, and she is very dedicated to helping people connect with themselves at a “soul level”. You will be sure to make lasting internal connections and shifts with the guidance and assistance of Dr. Jo! Change is inevitable and healing with her work …. Highly recommended!”
Dr. Barian’s Recommended Readings:
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy – David Burns
Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment – Eckhart Tolle
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma – Bessel Van Der Kolk
The Gifts of Imperfection – Brene Brown
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom – Don Miguel Ruiz
Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life – Jon Kabat-
Zinn
Daring Greatly – Brene Brown
Finding a Way: Taking the Impossible and Making it Possible – Siri Lindley
Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up – James Hollis
Change Your Thoughts – Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao – Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a “Course in Miracles” (The Marianne Williamson Series) – Marianne Williamson