DR. TOM BACHAR
(Pronouns: she/her/hers)
Dr. Tom Bachar was born in Israel and raised in south florida in a family with unique values, which led her to a genuine appreciation for culture and individuality. Growing up with a Hebrew name that was frequently misunderstood in a primarily English-speaking society fostered cultural awareness from a very young age. However, this adversity combined with pride for her identity allowed her to recognize and embrace others’ diversity. The dichotomy of growing up in a typical suburban American society with certain outlooks, and then coming home to differing cultural perspectives helped her develop an expanded range of vision and acceptance of others.
Tom graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and went on to receive her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Some of her special interests include human sexuality, intimacy/relationship concerns, the LGBTQIA+ community, multicultural/minority populations, identity concerns, unresolved childhood issues, and the performing arts. She considers herself to be an inclusive, sex-positive, and psychodynamically-oriented therapist who applies treatment within an integrative approach that consists of other therapeutic modalities that are best fit for the client. She draws from acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, experiential therapy, and the creative arts to tailor treatment for each individual’s personality and presenting concerns. She tends to focus treatment on connecting clients’ past to their present through facilitating discussions about the client’s childhood and family structure. She finds that once clients better understand their past, they have clarity with their present and can act more intentionally to create the life that they desire.
Tom has attended several trainings, presentations, and volunteer events related to human sexuality and the queer community and plans to continue to enhance her skills in these areas. Her enthusiasm and activism for diverse and taboo topics drives her desire to create a safe space in her therapy relationships for ostracized individuals to bring to the surface their own individual perceived taboos. Tom’s naturally curious, empathic, and genuine personality encourages the transparency and trust necessary to create a safe and effective therapeutic environment.
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