Welcome back to Conversations with Clinicians where we interview one of our associate therapists. We like to give you this opportunity to learn more about the way that they work. It can also give you insight into therapeutic modalities, approaches and techniques. Today, meet Karen Baker, a somatic and depth therapist who works virtually with people throughout California, specializing in embodiment, illness, sex and intimacy, trauma, anxiety, and dreams.
What is your therapeutic orientation?
Somatic and depth
What are your areas of specialty?
What other modalities inform your work?
- Rosen Method Bodywork
- Hawaiian Lomi Lomi
- Yoga & Pranayama
- Buddhist Meditation & Mindfulness
- Medicine Work
What is it like to work with you?
I’m a wanderer by nature, and in my work that looks like meandering with intention – think of moving in a circle rather than a straight line. I’m intuitive, fiercely empathetic, direct, fluid, and hold a spacious container for the work to happen.
Who do you LOVE working with?
I love working with people who are deeply curious, and committed to a process of healing. These people come from all walks of life, with all shapes of suffering. Often these people are healers themselves, artists, empaths, caretakers, but are certainly not limited to these types.
What most inspires you about doing this work? What do you do outside of the work to stay inspired?
What inspires me most about doing this work is being let into the most vulnerable parts of people, witnessing the growth and healing that happens through therapy and sharing an intimacy with the unknown.
In my ancestral tradition, there is a belief that the world can be repaired (Tikkun Olam) and this has always been a guiding force in my life.
Recently, I feel a sense of urgency around our collective healing. My go-to inspirations outside of work and my people, nature, art, constant learning, travel and the movement of my own body.
What is one thing that clients might be surprised to learn about you?
I don’t know – I”m a pretty open book.
If you could sum up in one sentence why someone might go to therapy, what would you say?
You wish something was different in your life and you can’t seem to get there.
What is one takeaway moment that you’d like to share from your own experience as a client in therapy?
The human experience is universal and nothing in life is random.
Give us your best recommendations for …
Best places to laugh and cry in the Bay Area?
- The Center SF Tea House – ideally surrounded by pillows
- Ocean Beach
- a Magical Nook in GG Park
Best self-care suggestions?
- Meander through GG Park on Foot or Wheels
- Yoga to the People
- Community Acupuncture
- Japanese or Korean Day Spas
- Farmers Markets
- Journal
- Paint
- Nap
- Dance
Favorite books?
Therapy Books: Body Sense, The Body Keeps the Score, Attached
Poetry: Mary Oliver, Rudy Francisco, Rumi
Favorite therapy podcasts?
This Jungian Life and Inside Eyes
Favorite therapy movie?
Girl Interrupted
Anything else?
I love that we’ve connected here. If you’d like to connect further, I offer 20-minute introduction calls at no charge.
How can potential clients contact you?
Karen Baker, LMFT 136793
Phone: (424) 645-5473
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.numinoushealingla.com
Where is your office located?
virtually via telehealth throughout California
You can also contact us at Center for Mindful Psychotherapy to learn more about working with Karen Baker or any of our associate therapists.