DEBORAH BAKER, PH.D.Licensed Clinical Psychologist
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination."
Welcome to my psychology practice! I offer video and phone therapy to clients in California. On the road to your best and brightest self, it is expected you will take some new turns and unfamiliar routes. I am here to assist you on your journey. Maybe you need help listening to your internal compass and clarifying your direction...or maybe I can help you clear obstacles from your path. Whatever it is, a new adventure awaits. Let's go!
I especially enjoy working with clients who are self-reflective, who want to deepen their understanding of themselves, and who are actively seeking more satisfying lives.
Background
Education & Experience
- Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist, California (2001)
- Diplomate, Comprehensive Energy Psychology (2017)
- Certified Energy Psychology Practitioner (CEP)
I have been a therapist since 1989, when I started working as a counselor in a drug treatment program outside of Boston. I fell in love with the work and continued to work in treatment programs (in Compton and Long Beach) while I went on to graduate school.
I have been fortunate to work in diverse settings that taught me about many different cultures, perspectives, and afflictions. Besides working in drug treatment, I have worked at community clinics and college counseling centers (Caltech, Mt. Saint Mary's University, University of Southern California, and Emory University). I have been working independently as a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice since 2001.
My clinical specialties are anxiety, trauma, addictions, eating disorders, depression, relationship issues, energy psychology, and spirituality. I usually work with adults and generally do not provide couples or family therapy, unless it is in the best interest of an individual client.
I earned my Diplomate in Comprehensive Energy Psychology in 2017, through the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP). My training was approved by the American Psychological Association (APA). Read more about energy work and why I use it in the next section. Breathwork is a natural addition to energy work. I studied under the supervision of Jim Morningstar, Ph.D. and completed Level II certification in his Transformations Breathwork Program in 2023.
Photo credit: Lisa Terry Weaver Photography
Philosophy
My Approach
My approach is collaborative, warm, and tailored to each individual. I draw on a range of evidence-based modalities — including cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, narrative, and somatic approaches — to meet you where you are.
In practice, this means I encourage the exploration of the origins of an issue as well as help identify practical solutions to address it. I also consider how sociocultural factors and intersectionality may be involved in a client's life experiences. I listen deeply to help clarify obstacles, conflicts, and patterns that are getting in the way of progress and fulfillment.
Whether you are navigating a specific challenge or seeking broader personal growth, I will work with you to clarify your goals and develop practical strategies for moving forward.
Energy Psychology
Energy Psychology (EP) is a family of mind-body approaches that combine cognitive interventions with the stimulation of acupressure points or other energy meridian techniques. The most widely researched method is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as tapping.
Energy work is especially effective for people who are struggling with anxiety, phobias, trauma, and self-limiting beliefs. It is empirically validated and was approved by the Veteran's Administration to treat PTSD. A few minutes of energy work can result in feeling calmer, clearer, and more centered. I have also used it with athletes and artistic performers to prepare for and enhance performance.
As a Certified Energy Psychology practitioner (CEP), I integrate these techniques as an adjunct to traditional psychotherapy, or as a stand-alone approach depending on your needs and preferences.
How I can help
Services
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Individual psychotherapy using talk and/or energy psychology methods to explore the origins of an issue, implement strategies to address it, and improve overall quality of life.
CONSULTATION
Consultation to provide clinical opinion, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations in areas of expertise. Consultation can be provided to an individual client, family member, group, or fellow psychotherapist or counselor.
ENERGY GROUPS
Energy psychology groups for companies, teams, classes, and events that address a shared goal, such as anxiety relief, the processing of loss and trauma, or performance enhancement.
Insurance & Fees
I am an out-of-network provider. Sessions are typically 55 minutes. I provide a superbill upon request that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Please contact me directly to discuss fees and availability.
Get in touch
Contact Me
I welcome inquiries from prospective clients. Please feel free to reach out by phone or email to ask questions or schedule a free 15 minute consultation.