James Baker (he/him)

For the past decade I have been supporting couples in developing newfound levels of trust, communication, and intimacy. I strive to ensure that couples sessions are collaborative, respectful, and productive. I work with and affirm traditional and alternative relationships, including polyamorous and open relationships, as well as those who engage in consensual kink. I identify as gay and am committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for couples who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.

An eclectic approach ensures that our work fits your needs. Methods I use include talk therapy, CBT, somatic techniques, and mindfulness. I frequently incorporate techniques gleaned from narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems and Motivational Interviewing. When appropriate, I provide EMDR to help clients overcome treatment resistant depression, anxiety, trauma and other hurdles that impede therapeutic progress.

My theoretical orientation, the backbone of my clinical work, is psychodynamic. It is based on the theories and approaches of classical psychoanalysis, working with clients to understand the role that unconscious forces from past relationships, experiences and conflicts have in shaping their current behavior. Gaining this insight supports clients in making positive change to live life more fully, communicate more effectively, and feel better about themselves and their relationships.

I have expertise in helping men who struggle to recognize and articulate their emotions, which can lead to difficulty making decisions, asserting needs, or setting healthy boundaries. Many feel disconnected from themselves and others, as if they are not fully present, leading to problems in their relationships and even with themselves. They may feel like their issues are not significant enough to warrant attention, and may feel guilty asking for help. All of this contributes to low self-esteem.

I have extensive experience helping couples to develop a greater level of trust, communication, and intimacy. I ensure that couples sessions are collaborative, respectful, and productive. I have extensive experience working with and affirming traditional and alternative relationships, including polyamorous and open relationships, as well as those who engage in consensual kink. I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

No two men are identical, yet we share experiences and challenges that are common among many men, issues related to career success and expectations, struggles with emotional expression, self-esteem, veteran's concerns, and issues unique to straight, bisexual, gay, and queer-identified men. For over 15 years I have successfully supported men impacted by personal hardship, trauma, and society's contradictory messages and expectations. I support men on the path to wholeness and authenticity.