I work with men and couples in Santa Rosa and online throughout California. Here's a bit about how I approach things and what you can expect from working with me.
James Baker, LMFT
I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist with 20 years of clinical experience. I work with men and couples, mostly on the kinds of things that don't get easier by being left alone: relationship breakdowns, emotional patterns that keep showing up, anxiety, disconnection, and the gap between the life someone is living and the one they'd rather be living.
A lot of clients tell me they appreciate that I describe what we're doing in plain language. I take that seriously. My job isn't to introduce you to a framework or hand you a philosophy. It's to help you figure out what's going on and what to do about it.
I'm direct without being blunt, and I stay engaged during sessions rather than sitting back and waiting. If I notice a pattern or something worth examining, I'll say so. I'm not interested in being a passive presence you talk at for 50 minutes. The work goes better when it's a real exchange.
My approach draws on psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed care. I use what fits the person in front of me. I've been doing this long enough to know that no single method works for everyone, and that the relationship between therapist and client matters as much as any technique.
You won't hear a lot of jargon from me. I don't organize my work around abstract theory, and I don't bring my politics or personal beliefs into the room. What you will get is honest feedback, practical insight, and a consistent focus on what you're actually trying to accomplish.
Plain language
I describe what we're doing and why. You'll always know the reasoning behind the approach, not just be asked to trust it.
Proven methods
I draw on established, evidence-based practices. Not trends, not theory for its own sake.
Clear boundaries
I don't make the work about me. When I offer perspective, it's in service of your process, not mine.
No performance required
You don't need to come in with things figured out or present well. Come in as you are.
Honest feedback
If old patterns surface in our work, we use them. That's not a problem, it's useful material.
Real pace, real focus
We move at a pace that respects where you are while staying oriented toward actual change, not just processing.
I kayak, camp, travel, draw, bake sourdough, and play board games with family and friends. I exercise regularly, meditate, and work with my own therapist. I mention that last part because I think it matters: I don't ask clients to do something I'm not willing to do myself.