Started off very promising and interested in my unique situation, then turned pushy and disrespectful. Without disclosing confidential topics, basically I tried to tell him (both in writing and in person what I wanted to get out of sessions with him) and he completely blew me off, insisting we focus on X when I came there to focus on Y.
It's his way or the highway and it became apparent that he is definitely not someone who cares about collaborating with patients to help them achieve their goals. I had wanted perspective from a counselor of the opposite sex, even though I had a good relationship with my longtime counselor, but after several sessions with Mr Barbur, I'll be going back to her. The anxiety I began to experience because he refused to stop pushing what HE wanted to focus on is absolutely not worth it...I will not go down such an important road with someone who I cannot trust.
As a side note, when it comes to paperwork he has zero attention to detail. I let him know specifically what was needed for a FSA receipt, THREE times (in writing, so there's no way to misunderstand the exact language the administrator required) and he still could not get the paperwork right. He also claimed to have knowledge of certain legal topics with statements so far off base from fact it was scary...another one of the reasons that I cannot recommend this individual.
Too many people stick around with providers they are not comfortable with, and when it comes to mental health, you've got to listen to your gut. While Mr Barbur is sharp in some areas, there is no excuse for his lack of attention to detail, pushiness, or disrespect shown towards the patient. No excuse. read more