My area of concentration is supporting people who are managing any of the following:
social issues (peer pressure, aggression, isolation, vitimization)
anger, sadness & depression
stress & anxiety
learning differences & difficulties
grief & loss
divorce & separation
substance use
self-harm
career & education decision making
adjustment to a new life situation
I use a combination of modalities, tailoring my approach to each individual. I use role-play, art projects, mindfulness and relaxation practice in my counseling practice, as well as traditional talk-therapy. I rely heavily on cognitive-behavioral therapy tools and hold a solution-oriented perspective. Together, with my client and their family, we begin by understanding present realities and then proceed to goal-setting.
Above all, I respect a client's motivation to change and am deliberate about setting goals with their full-agreement and collaboration. At times these goals may be at odds with what a parent determines, and I work with the family towards a mutually-acceptable agreement.
Systems therapy is also a critical part of my practice, meaning each young person is a part of a family system and does not operate in a vacuum . Behavioral patterns, living circumstances, unspoken rules and truths, family secrets and shared traumatic experiences have great impact on a young persons' functioning. It is my hope that the family members of my clients join our sessions as needed in order to maximize our therapeutic potential.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Depression, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
CA LCSW 61731
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Katherine (Kate) Baker. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
She’s the absolute best
Written on Mar 08, 2024 after therapy with Katherine (Kate) for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fa
Great therapist who listens carefully and has concrete ideas to put in place to make progress in your situation.
Written on Feb 24, 2024 after therapy with Katherine (Kate) for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Kate holds me accountable which relieves anxiety.
Written on Feb 04, 2024 after therapy with Katherine (Kate) for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and coping with life changes
Katherine has been helping me with some work place related depression, and some fear and uncertainty while navigating a complex work situation and a job change. She’s listened attentively to me, been very supportive and understanding, and has provided me sound and valuable advice and encouragement during this process. I have struggled with taking action in my situation and she’s done an excellent job of helping my focus on my strengths and motivating and advising me on next steps at a time when I’ve needed the extra push from a knowledgeable person outside of my situation. She’s been kind and helpful and I look forward to working together more.
Written on Jan 24, 2024 after therapy with Katherine (Kate) for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, career difficulties, and coaching
Kate truly excels at listening and asking relevant questions. She identified the heart of my issue quickly which allowed us to dig deeper quicker. Kate is so nice to talk to. Shes a great communicator both by text and at our sessions. I feel at ease and comfortable talking to her about things that I don't share with anyone else.
Written on Dec 05, 2023 after therapy with Katherine (Kate) for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
We are still working on a lot of background stuff and getting to know each other. But I feel like she genuinely cares for what I'm feeling and wants to do what she can to help me unpack all the feelings I have and get a better understanding of what to do to help me process everything that is happening.
Written on Oct 26, 2020 after therapy with Katherine (Kate) for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue