ABOUT
Moriah O'Barr
Licensed Psychologist
First and foremost, putting your mental health first takes a lot of courage.
The hardest relationship we ever need to cultivate is the one with ourselves. It’s exciting that you are taking this time to work on yourself.
What is it like working with me?
There are many ideas and portrayals of what therapy consists of, but that might not be accurate for what working with me would be like.
My belief is that you are the expert on you and that my job is to provide you the tools and guidance to reach your goals.
Your voice is incredibly important and I want to hear what’s going on for you.
Therapy sessions are generally pretty relaxed and free flowing. Sometimes, I might recommend an activity or homework that is more structured to help you tackle a specific concern.
I’ll also probably be joined by my two wonderful cats during our virtual sessions, they can be pretty nosy!
If you are interested, what does the process of signing up look like?
1.
First, a consultation call. You can reach out for a consultation call by clicking the button at the top of the menu. During this call we discuss why you are reaching out and if we are a good fit.
2.
If we both agree to move forward, then I send you a link to your own personal client portal with necessary paperwork and a general intake form. If you are struggling to fill it out, or need support in doing so, we can also work on them together during the first session.
3.
The first session will be a continuation of getting to know you and your goals. Then, devising a treatment plan together of how we are going to work towards achieving your goals. We will continue to check in with those goals and adjust them if needed!
It’s really important in therapy that I see the whole you.
During the first session, you will be given a diagnosis. Hopefully that word isn’t scary. Instead, a diagnosis is a way to quickly capture the symptoms and distress you are experiencing during this time in your life. Diagnoses can change or be removed based on how you grow. A diagnosis also gives a framework for how to go about our time in therapy.
Creating a roadmap for treatment is essential.
In our first few sessions, we will work closely together to create a treatment plan. Think of this plan as a road map to where you want to be. We will check in periodically to reflect on the treatment plan and see where we are in terms of meeting your goals and if we need to shift anything.
Treatment planning is empowering because it takes the mystery out of therapy and you get to have full say of what we focus on.
It’s all about the journey.
I believe that therapy is a space and time for you.
With that said, I’ll follow your lead in session to talk about what feels important to you.
It’s also ok if you don’t know where to start.
I have no problem jumping in and asking questions to get us going!
I’ll also spend time occasionally asking you how you feel therapy is going.
Therapy is a relationship and it’s important that we tend to that every now and then.
My goal in therapy is to not be needed anymore.
I want to give you the tools, confidence, and awareness for you to be able to go out and live a fuller life.
What type of therapy do I use?
My general framework for therapy is person-centered therapy. This type of therapy focuses on meeting your needs through gentle guidance and reflection to facilitate exploration and growth.
I also like to blend in other types of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). CBT and DBT offer wonderful skills to help change thoughts and behaviors, which helps improve your mood.
Is now the right time to start therapy?
I’m sure you are wondering if you actually need to see a therapist.
The reality is that your mental health deserves time and attention.
You know you best and if you are taking the time to read this, then a part of you knows it is time to change.
It’s ok if you are not sure about change and if things can actually get better through therapy. A huge part of therapy is figuring out what you do want. Prioritizing your mental health by going to therapy is the first step towards living the life you want to live.
How did I decide to become a psychologist?
I always knew that I wanted to be in a helping profession. I used to tell my parents that I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was little. (I still love animals!) As I grew up, I learned that I really enjoyed getting to know and helping people. I continue to enjoy helping others and find that I also learn and grow with those I work with.
It’s such a rewarding experience to be there for others.
What are your qualifications?
- I completed my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology from Georgia State University.
- I still use a sociological point of view today in working with clients. I not only focus on you but also want to understand the context and culture you live in.
- I went to graduate school at Georgia School of Professional Psychology- Argosy University and earned a Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD).
- During graduate school, I specialized in children, adolescents, families, and eating disorders.
- I am currently licensed to practice as a psychologist in New York.
What I do when I’m not working...
I really enjoy spending time with people I care about in my downtime.
I like playing video games and hosting game nights. I also find time to curl up with a good book and my cats.
What now?
I hope that you take a step towards better mental health. You deserve to reach your potential and I am happy to help in that journey. Above all else, I hope that you decide to make your mental health a priority.
If you are interested in working together, please set up a free 15-minute consultation below.
