What Experts Are Saying

“Over the years we’ve achieved excellent results, due in large part to an emphasis on the “family system” as the identified patient.  This means that while we may be treating a specific family member for dependency… in order to make lasting changes, we often need to re-balance the entire family system to eliminate flash points that could lead to relapse, or be destructive to the individual’s treatment and recovery.”

“One of our biggest problems is that, at some point, we have to hand the patient off to a professional counselor who will not undo all the work that we’ve done. That therapist needs to have the same clinical beliefs and understanding of the treatment dynamics, if the case is going to move forward. This involves a tremendous amount of work with the family, and can be very challenging.”

“Shelly Baron is one of those special therapists; he really solves that problem for us. And it’s more than just the mechanics of clinical experience, and academically knowing what to do. Shelly has passion for helping people survive addiction and get into recovery. Chemical dependency creates neurological changes that often result in self-injurious behavior becoming the norm; it’s really a formula for difficulty. Shelly overcomes this with a no holds barred, take no prisoners approach. You cannot work with Shelly Baron and get away with a line of thought that is negativistic.”

“Because our work typically requires us to intervene… to get involved and start relationships at the point of crisis, it can be challenging to get all the players on one page… especially family. Over the past twelve years or so, he’s worked with many on our staff, often communicating on cases multiple times daily as part of a “therapeutic alliance” that includes representatives from the disciplines of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neurology, as well as Social Workers and Therapy Professionals.”

“I have found him to be extremely authentic, a trait that’s required to forge trust with a patient who is often living in a world of deception, mistrust and cynicism. He has the unique ability to challenge them head on, while simultaneously coming along side them in their struggle… no matter how difficult. Shelly knows that people can recover… he believes in the patient’s ability to get better, and is able to transfer that belief to them and the family. This is a very rare quality, and one that can’t be taught.”

“Shelly Baron is very special.”

Sid Goodman, MA, LMHC
Executive/Clinical Director
Caron Renaissance
www.caronrenaissance.org

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“I’ve known Shelly Baron for 34 years… at the time, he was starting out at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.  He is tremendous… totally devoted to the welfare of his patients.  I truly believe he is doing God’s work.”

“I know so many people that Shelly has helped.  His dedication is unmatched… to this day I have never met anyone who works harder or cares more.  You can call him at midnight and he will pick up the phone.  He is completely, fully, 100% dedicated.”

“Shelly is the one who initially saw something in me and led me toward the field of counselling.  He is experienced, wise, and tuned in to what is going on with individuals and families.  He holds nothing back, and will never turn anyone away.”

“I cannot say enough good things about Shelly… and I know him well.  His suggestions and direction have made me a better counselor.  Working with Shelly you begin to understand the real meaning of the term “power of example”.  His strength, honesty, knowledge, and commitment come through in everything he does.”

Lewis Merenstein
Counselor
New York 

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“In my role for the Caron Foundation, I am engaged in crisis intervention for individuals and families suffering from addiction.  This work requires getting involved early, and continues through the process of assisting them to find appropriate treatment, aftercare, and related services.”

“I began working with Shelly Baron in 1994, and was immediately impressed with his knowledge, and the depth of his involvement with his patients. Shelly is completely cognizant of all the aspects of their needs… and their triggers.  He leaves no clinical stone unturned.  First and foremost, he recognizes that addiction is a family disease… he understands the players, and has a level of dedication to each individual that is unique among counselors.”

“Shelly has a passion for helping addicts achieve total recovery.  Unfortunately, some people aren’t ready for that… they’re looking for shortcuts… an easy way… and they don’t want to confront all these things.  That doesn’t work… half measures avail you nothing.  Consequently, there are an enormous number of people who are dry, but not sober… and though they’re not using, they continue to struggle… because they never dealt with the underlying cause of their addiction.”

“The relationship between Shelly and Caron is a match made in heaven.  Typically, addicts have spent years organizing their life and relationships in order to facillitate their addiction.  We will get them to stop using… but that’s just one cog in the wheel.  Simply turning them loose into that environment again reduces the chance of recovery significantly.  It takes a skilled and gifted therapist to capitalize on what’s been accomplished in rehab, and the wrong one could actually reverse the work that we’ve done.”

“If you are reading this… you know you need help.  I want you to know that I’ve worked with Shelly on many cases, and have seen his approach work time and time again. Misery is optional.  If you are willing, he will walk with you down the road… help you get all the issues on the table… and deal with them one by one.  His process is excellent.”

Bill Teuteberg
Executive Vice President
Caron Foundation
www.caron.org

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“Shelly Baron is the individual who set me on the path to my own private practice. After meeting through mutual friends in the mid 1970’s, he introduced me to Dr. Louis Ormont, a pioneer in the field of Group Psychotherapy and Analysis. Later, as I began my practice, Shelly not only provided me an office in Manhattan along with my first two clients, but he and his wife, Maureen, also provided case supervision from time to time.”

“The first thing you notice about Shelly is that his work is not about a career or job or profession… it’s about passion. Shelly is passionate about helping people out of their misery; especially those suffering from addiction… he is excellent.”

“When someone comes out of rehab, they go back to the same problems… the same environment… the same people with the same pathology. Shelly has a long and successful history of working with all of those who are involved at this stage… he understands the underlying causes of addiction, and is able to work with the families to provide the support that the patient will require for full recovery.”

“It’s important to realize that the alcohol… the drugs… are just a symptom of the addiction. Under those things are fears and anxieties that need to be handled if the individual is to stay sober, and live a healthy and productive life. Shelly brings the game plan… a multifaceted approach that will get to the root of the problem.”

Ed Dowling
Psychotherapist
New Jersey

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“I met Shelly Baron through a friend in 1987, and though our styles may be different, I consider him to be a mentor and a catalyst that helped me on my way to becoming a successful psychotherapist.  Along with my education and training, I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker, and have been in private practice since 1994… a practice heavily focused on addiction, and related obsessive and compulsive behaviors.”

“When most people talk of addiction… they mean substance abuse… drugs or alcohol.  But addictive behavior can be tied to food, sex, gambling and many other activities…  and they all spill over and affect others.  It requires a “systems approach” that includes the family or loved ones; if the addict has a problem… the family has a problem… so we need to work with all those who are affected.”

“One of Shelly’s strengths is his ability to use leverage… to motivate family members, friends, or loved ones to take action that they would not have otherwise done.  In terms of recovery, this is important because if someone is going to seek treatment… they usually need a very compelling reason to do so.  Shelly is determined… unwaivering… and doesn’t get intimidated by what can be some pretty tricky situations.”

“Often, families feel that if the addict would just get treatment… if they just got sober… everything would be alright.  But it’s not that easy.  There is a lot of fallout with addiction… and families struggle with trust issues.  They’re lives are turned upside down… and they feel victimized.  It takes a good therapist to work them through that… to see that they may have a part in the addiction… and to understand the supporting role that they can play in the solution.”

“Picking a treatment program, path, or professional can be difficult… and often the family isn’t ready for the real challenges ahead.  If you are in that situation now, don’t give up… you never know from around which corner help will come.   I encourage you to try to find the truth in what Shelly is saying.”

Jeffrey Drobner
Psychotherapist
New York

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