Raphael Barker
I’m Raphael, a dedicated therapist specializing in transformative self-discovery and emotional resilience. Drawing on Somatics, Buddhist and Western psychological, mythological and philosophical traditions, IFS- inspired parts work and attachment theory, I guide individuals who feel stuck, overly dependent, or uncertain about their path to uncover their strengths, overcome trauma and chart a meaningful future. My clients range from those navigating personal transitions to professionals aiming to overcome self-doubt. Through structured, empathetic sessions, I help you process your past, align your present actions with your values, and build confidence to pursue purposeful goals. My approach fosters sovereignty, challenges doubt, and empowers you to face life’s challenges with courage and clarity. Whether you’re seeking to break free from limiting patterns or define a vision that inspires, I’m here to help you create lasting, authentic change in a safe, reflective space.
I have helped clients get married, get new jobs, let go of toxic friendships, take more risks, and generally feel like they are on tip of their lives.
First session
I want to get to know you: where did you come from? What were the early years like? What is bringing you to therapy at this time? What have you coped? What gives you hope? What is your vision; if we were to be successful, what might your life look like?
Strengths
I have a pretty eclectic and wholistic approach to treatment: I treat each client as an individual and will do everything I can to draw on my extensive tool kits, life experiences, philosophical, evolutionary and spiritual outlooks to curate a treatment plan that works for you. I have helped clients get married, get new jobs, let go of toxic friendships, take on more risks or responsibilities, and generally feel like they can ride the wave of their lives.
Ideal clients
My clients range from working adults who are seeking more meaning in their lives to those who want to have less chaos and need more support developing and sustaining a vision. I love mentoring young men who want to have a positive impact in their lives and be of service to others, creatives who have blocks that are getting in the way of doing their best work.
Treatment methods
EMDR
I use this modality to treat single incident traumas as well as incorporate and strengthen resources that the client has or increasingly enjoys as the result of our work together. EMDR is a powertool for when clients are ready to change their story about who they are by unhooking belief systems from (often) early memories that have distress associated with them.
Attachment-based
We learn about how the world works when it comes to safety and love from our parents and other caregivers. Can we be loved and still be ourselves? What is more important: attachment or authenticity? Can we self-soothe by positive self talk or reaching out to friends, or do we soothe our distress by leaning into alcohol and procrastination? There is so much about how we relate to our own feelings, ask for help, self- isolate when feeling shame, etc that stem from these early impressions passed down from our parents. We perpetuate those patterns when looking for life partners, burdening them with the unmet expectations from our early years. I have trained in EFT, NARM, IFS and other modalities to help clients identify their own needs and yearnings that are trapped under patterns of anxious or avoidant attachment.
Somatic
I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with years of experience in somatic practices where I support interoception and mindfulness to help process anxiety and trauma through the body. Our body knows the score; we store important information in our tissue; our posture; gestures. I try to increase or restore safety and confidence by bringing awareness to the body in a gentle and trauma-informed way.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions408 Meadow Way, San Geronimo, CA 94963
Identifies as
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Serves
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 123865