Jonathan, Actor, Manhattan, NY
Stumbling into Philippa Barr’s office was the first step of what would become my transition into
adulthood. I was a 26 year old depressive daily drinker, and the light at the end of the tunnel was so
dim I couldn’t see which way was forward, backwards or sideways. Fear motivated every move, and
I was slowly losing hope. I had seen many different psychiatrists for many years, but aside from
offering me medications and recommendations for alcohol rehabs, they seemed to be at their wits
end.
Seeing Philippa for the first time was like finally exhaling after unknowingly holding my breath.
She encouraged me to slow everything down and begin being kind to myself. We started slowly
dissecting my weeks and identifying where in the previous week I had made choices (and I was
making choices I wasn't even aware of.) We discussed why I might have made the choices I was
making, then, slowly and hypothetically began exploring different choices. “What would happen if
you put up this boundary with this person,” or “How would it have felt to have said ‘no’ to that
project?” were phrases that eased me into change. Philippa was quick to note progress at any level,
yet not shy about identifying sabotaging behavior.
My life began to slowly change, and I eventually had the courage to enter a rehab…but it was
a rehab that I researched, it was a rehab that I spoke with, and it was a rehab that I made the
arrangements for. It was my choice, it was not forced upon me; which in recovery is the difference
between success and failure…life and death. As I write this, I have just over three years of sobriety.
Self reflection, choices, responsibility for choices and most importantly, listening to my own instincts,
are tools that Philippa offered me (or not offered, but illuminated) and those tools continue to ground
me.
One last note: Philippa Barr loves her job. I have never once had a conversation with her about
whether or not this statement is true, but I say this with complete confidence.
Philippa Barr loves her job.
Stumbling into Philippa Barr’s office was the first step of what would become my transition into
adulthood. I was a 26 year old depressive daily drinker, and the light at the end of the tunnel was so
dim I couldn’t see which way was forward, backwards or sideways. Fear motivated every move, and
I was slowly losing hope. I had seen many different psychiatrists for many years, but aside from
offering me medications and recommendations for alcohol rehabs, they seemed to be at their wits
end.
Seeing Philippa for the first time was like finally exhaling after unknowingly holding my breath.
She encouraged me to slow everything down and begin being kind to myself. We started slowly
dissecting my weeks and identifying where in the previous week I had made choices (and I was
making choices I wasn't even aware of.) We discussed why I might have made the choices I was
making, then, slowly and hypothetically began exploring different choices. “What would happen if
you put up this boundary with this person,” or “How would it have felt to have said ‘no’ to that
project?” were phrases that eased me into change. Philippa was quick to note progress at any level,
yet not shy about identifying sabotaging behavior.
My life began to slowly change, and I eventually had the courage to enter a rehab…but it was
a rehab that I researched, it was a rehab that I spoke with, and it was a rehab that I made the
arrangements for. It was my choice, it was not forced upon me; which in recovery is the difference
between success and failure…life and death. As I write this, I have just over three years of sobriety.
Self reflection, choices, responsibility for choices and most importantly, listening to my own instincts,
are tools that Philippa offered me (or not offered, but illuminated) and those tools continue to ground
me.
One last note: Philippa Barr loves her job. I have never once had a conversation with her about
whether or not this statement is true, but I say this with complete confidence.
Philippa Barr loves her job.
Aziza Belcher, Corporate Executive, Manhattan
After interviewing several therapists, I started working with Philippa in 2004. I knew immediately that she
was the person I wanted to work with. Though only in my twenties, I had a lifetime of baggage from abuse and
its effects. While I’m not a habitual therapy patient (and thus can’t compare her to numerous other therapists),
I don’t think I’d have to be to say that Philippa is phenomenal at what she does. She is insightful, perceptive,
extremely easy to talk to, compassionate and patient.
I also think it important to mention her integrity. As a patient, I was never privy to any confidential
information about any other patients during our sessions and no information was ever left out in the open.
This secure practice and standard of confidentiality was always very reassuring to me. Furthermore, the
flexibility she voluntarily builds into her practice is a god-send to someone with a challenging schedule,
commuter demands, etc.
Her policy to allow scheduled or impromptu phone call sessions is unique and also indescribably useful.
Several times during personal crises, I phoned and she made herself available to talk and work through the
issue(s) rather than having me wait until my next session. You cannot fathom how useful that option is until
the moment arises when you need it.
When I started seeing Philippa I was involved in a fairly serious relationship and as it progressed and we
encountered challenges, he and I then had several couple sessions with her. These sessions were exactly
what we needed and played a pivotal role in our relationship continuing to progress in a healthy way.
Philippa maintains a comfortable, safe environment (literally and figuratively). The physical space is
always comfortable and serene. She has two therapy pooches (who are very well-behaved by the way) that
when not sleeping, lend their sympathy and comfort in their own ways. Her space/presence is soothing yet
heartening. It wasn’t long after I started seeing Philippa that I looked forward to my sessions as a reprieve
from the day to day issues that came up and the issues I’d been dealing with prior to working with her.
Philippa helped me deal with some truly burdensome and complex challenges. The decision to have
Philippa as my therapist was a good one and my emotional well-being today and continued growth is proof of
that. I whole-heartedly recommend Philippa without a moment’s hesitation.
After interviewing several therapists, I started working with Philippa in 2004. I knew immediately that she
was the person I wanted to work with. Though only in my twenties, I had a lifetime of baggage from abuse and
its effects. While I’m not a habitual therapy patient (and thus can’t compare her to numerous other therapists),
I don’t think I’d have to be to say that Philippa is phenomenal at what she does. She is insightful, perceptive,
extremely easy to talk to, compassionate and patient.
I also think it important to mention her integrity. As a patient, I was never privy to any confidential
information about any other patients during our sessions and no information was ever left out in the open.
This secure practice and standard of confidentiality was always very reassuring to me. Furthermore, the
flexibility she voluntarily builds into her practice is a god-send to someone with a challenging schedule,
commuter demands, etc.
Her policy to allow scheduled or impromptu phone call sessions is unique and also indescribably useful.
Several times during personal crises, I phoned and she made herself available to talk and work through the
issue(s) rather than having me wait until my next session. You cannot fathom how useful that option is until
the moment arises when you need it.
When I started seeing Philippa I was involved in a fairly serious relationship and as it progressed and we
encountered challenges, he and I then had several couple sessions with her. These sessions were exactly
what we needed and played a pivotal role in our relationship continuing to progress in a healthy way.
Philippa maintains a comfortable, safe environment (literally and figuratively). The physical space is
always comfortable and serene. She has two therapy pooches (who are very well-behaved by the way) that
when not sleeping, lend their sympathy and comfort in their own ways. Her space/presence is soothing yet
heartening. It wasn’t long after I started seeing Philippa that I looked forward to my sessions as a reprieve
from the day to day issues that came up and the issues I’d been dealing with prior to working with her.
Philippa helped me deal with some truly burdensome and complex challenges. The decision to have
Philippa as my therapist was a good one and my emotional well-being today and continued growth is proof of
that. I whole-heartedly recommend Philippa without a moment’s hesitation.
Cassie J, Photographer, New York City
I started seeing Philippa Barr many years ago when I was having communication and
intimacy problems with my partner. I was reluctant to do the work but with Philippa's
guidance and tenderness towards my pain, I started to listen.
I realized that I was so busy taking care of everybody else, that I had forgotten about myself.
Philippa helped me see that I was in denial about how my anger was stopping me from living
my life.
I saw Philippa for about 6 months, both individually and with my partner, and made huge
leaps in my life. She showed me that I was transferring a lot of my childhood pain to my girl
friend, and making her wrong. When I stopped seeing Philippa, I started living my life, but
stopped dancing the usual dance. My relationship changed, as I was no longer willing to play
the same games anymore. It was becoming toxic and I did not know who I was anymore.
I started to see Philippa again 6 months ago. The grieving and the healing that I went
through was hard but also very healthy. My life today is clear. I now know who I am. My
business doubled in sales, I went to Africa, which had been a dream of mine for 3 years, I was
no longer living half my life, I was also not afraid and I was taking care of my little girl.
None of this would have been possible without Philippa's commitment to me, my journey and
to helping me see my Truth.
She is a rare person, who with her 2 dogs and almost laid back approach, helped me open
a door and go through it. I completely trusted her and knew she was there to help. She is the
best listener and therapist I have had, and even though she is now in California and I am in NY,
I will always check in with Philippa.
I will always be grateful to Philippa for showing me how to live my life, trusting in myself
and having fun along the way. Most important of all I will always be thankful to Philippa for
Africa. I got to put into action what rescue was all about. It filled my heart with love.
I started seeing Philippa Barr many years ago when I was having communication and
intimacy problems with my partner. I was reluctant to do the work but with Philippa's
guidance and tenderness towards my pain, I started to listen.
I realized that I was so busy taking care of everybody else, that I had forgotten about myself.
Philippa helped me see that I was in denial about how my anger was stopping me from living
my life.
I saw Philippa for about 6 months, both individually and with my partner, and made huge
leaps in my life. She showed me that I was transferring a lot of my childhood pain to my girl
friend, and making her wrong. When I stopped seeing Philippa, I started living my life, but
stopped dancing the usual dance. My relationship changed, as I was no longer willing to play
the same games anymore. It was becoming toxic and I did not know who I was anymore.
I started to see Philippa again 6 months ago. The grieving and the healing that I went
through was hard but also very healthy. My life today is clear. I now know who I am. My
business doubled in sales, I went to Africa, which had been a dream of mine for 3 years, I was
no longer living half my life, I was also not afraid and I was taking care of my little girl.
None of this would have been possible without Philippa's commitment to me, my journey and
to helping me see my Truth.
She is a rare person, who with her 2 dogs and almost laid back approach, helped me open
a door and go through it. I completely trusted her and knew she was there to help. She is the
best listener and therapist I have had, and even though she is now in California and I am in NY,
I will always check in with Philippa.
I will always be grateful to Philippa for showing me how to live my life, trusting in myself
and having fun along the way. Most important of all I will always be thankful to Philippa for
Africa. I got to put into action what rescue was all about. It filled my heart with love.
Mark, Business Manager Manhattan, NY
It is hard to put into words how Philippa changed my life. The two most important lessons I learned
with Philippa were to look for the truth and the love in everything. This recommendation comes from my
understanding of both truth and love, and is very deeply felt.
Philippa took me from a mass of anxiety, fear and anger where I felt my world was out of my control, to a
place where I could find serenity. We worked for two years and slowly looked at where I had come from
and where I was now. She asked me to slow down and to ask myself if I had faith in something larger
then my own world.
Over time I started to question my feelings and thoughts and to look for the truth in my reactions and
opinions. Once I was able to get to what was authentic in any of my experiences, I could see how I was
comfortable with the ways I distorted the true facts of my life. My work with Philippa led me to awareness
that I use everyday.
Philippa opened my eyes and led me to living in the moment, to being aware of the truth in what I
am feeling and thinking. This makes me very
serene - what is real and what is imagined - what I can and cannot do - this has brought me a peace I did
not know before I worked with Philippa. I feel very fortunate to have met Philippa when I did and am
grateful for the work we did together. It changed my life for the better.
It is hard to put into words how Philippa changed my life. The two most important lessons I learned
with Philippa were to look for the truth and the love in everything. This recommendation comes from my
understanding of both truth and love, and is very deeply felt.
Philippa took me from a mass of anxiety, fear and anger where I felt my world was out of my control, to a
place where I could find serenity. We worked for two years and slowly looked at where I had come from
and where I was now. She asked me to slow down and to ask myself if I had faith in something larger
then my own world.
Over time I started to question my feelings and thoughts and to look for the truth in my reactions and
opinions. Once I was able to get to what was authentic in any of my experiences, I could see how I was
comfortable with the ways I distorted the true facts of my life. My work with Philippa led me to awareness
that I use everyday.
Philippa opened my eyes and led me to living in the moment, to being aware of the truth in what I
am feeling and thinking. This makes me very
serene - what is real and what is imagined - what I can and cannot do - this has brought me a peace I did
not know before I worked with Philippa. I feel very fortunate to have met Philippa when I did and am
grateful for the work we did together. It changed my life for the better.
Copyright Philippa Barr 2007 All Rights
Reserved
Reserved
Monica, Psychotherapist and Minister, Hoboken, New Jersey
Philippa Barr is a gifted therapist who helped me find myself, while navigating through the
frustration of the love-hate energy of my relationship. My therapy experience working with Ms. Barr
gave me valuable tools that I continue to use to grow today in intimate friendship and love with my
partner.
Philippa created a safe space for me to share difficult personal history that she then helped me
use to understand how to create a more healthy, loving and nurturing relationship. I was able to
heal from old wounds, and grow with a new consciousness of how I can give and receive love.
Philippa Barr is a gifted therapist who helped me find myself, while navigating through the
frustration of the love-hate energy of my relationship. My therapy experience working with Ms. Barr
gave me valuable tools that I continue to use to grow today in intimate friendship and love with my
partner.
Philippa created a safe space for me to share difficult personal history that she then helped me
use to understand how to create a more healthy, loving and nurturing relationship. I was able to
heal from old wounds, and grow with a new consciousness of how I can give and receive love.
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