Psychiatrists and psychoanalysts
Joan Bender, PhD
SpecialtiesDr. Bender is a graduate of U. of Colorado at Boulder, receiving her Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 1983. She interned at Bellevue/NYU Medical Center in NYC, and received her B.S. from MIT in 1974 in art and design. Dr. Bender was licensed in Missouri in 1985 and has been in solo practice in Springfield since that time.Dr. Bender is experienced with diverse clientele and clinical issues, and specializes in treating depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, healing from trauma, and relationship issues. She has experience with 12-step programs, working on problems of codependency and addictions. Dr. Bender views therapy as a creative endeavor in which she and the client work together to remove barriers to growth. She looks at symptoms as ways we have adapted to difficult situations, often beginning in childhood. What begins as a survival tool eventually becomes a burden and limits our growth. Successful therapy opens new possibilities and choices, as we find new ways to vie w ourselves and our lives, and helps us have better relationships with ourselves and others. Relationships are more satisfying with better communication and problem - solving skills. Dr. Bender enjoys working with diverse points of view and backgrounds, and finds doing therapy exciting and meaningful.
