Brooke Barker
About
My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by my own mental health journey and by how much therapy helped me better understand myself, my relationships, and my place in the world. I know how powerful it is to feel seen, supported, and understood, and I’m deeply committed to creating that experience for the people I work with. My approach is collaborative, client-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and creative. I tailor what we do to your unique experiences, culture, and background. I draw from CBT, solution-focused work, mindfulness, EMDR, and insight-driven communication to help build self-awareness, practical skills, and lasting growth. I work with a variety of people, populations, and presenting concerns including: anxiety, depression, panic disorder, daily stress, life transitions,/adjustments, body image and self-esteem concerns, and trauma (PTSD), as well as identity-affirming care for neurodivergent clients (ADHD/Autism) and the LGBTQIA+ community.
First session
In our first session we’ll spend most of our time getting to know each other and seeing if we’re a good fit - because the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of this work. I’ll ask about what brought you to therapy, your goals, and any background that feels important, but only as much as you’re comfortable sharing. We’ll begin building rapport and trust, and start creating the foundation we’ll use moving forward including identifying strengths, immediate needs, and a few practical steps to support you. Coming to therapy takes a lot of strength, and my priority is to make the space feel safe, respectful, and collaborative so you can go at a pace that feels right.
Strengths
In session, I show up as my authentic self and create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can do the same. I meet you where you are and work alongside you to develop tools and strategies that feel realistic, empowering, and helpful for your life. I am warm, empathetic, and genuinely curious about each client's unique experiences. I strive to help remove barriers that may be preventing clients from gaining clarity without providing the answers for them. Instead, I ask thoughtful questions, offer perspective, and create space for insight and self-discovery. While I will challenge clients when it feels clinically appropriate, I find that many people arrive at their own conclusions when given the support and environment to do so. I like to think of my clients as the experts on their own lives. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to walk alongside you as a guide offering support, encouragement, and evidence-based tools while trusting your capacity for growth. I believe therapy works best as a collaborative partnership where we build on your strengths, honor your values, and work together toward meaningful, lasting change. My hope is that you leave feeling more grounded, confident, and capable as you navigate life’s ups and downs.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with individuals who are curious about themselves, open to growth, and are willing to explore, reflect, and consider new perspectives as we work together. Much of my experience has been supporting people through life's transitions. Whether you're starting college, graduating and navigating post-grad life, beginning a new career, entering or ending a relationship, going back to school, becoming a parent, moving to a new city or place, approaching retirement, or simply feeling like you're entering a new chapter, I understand that even positive changes can bring uncertainty, stress, and questions about who you are and where you're headed. I also believe that not all transitions are visible from the outside - sometimes they're internal, as you begin to recognize how past experiences may be impacting your present and the way you think, feel, and navigate your life. You may not be changing careers, moving, or experiencing a major life event, but you might feel like something internally is shifting. I enjoy working with clients who trust the therapeutic process, knowing that change takes time and that growth isn't always linear or quick, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening.
Treatment methods
EMDR
I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients process experiences that may still be affecting them today. Many people find that even though an event happened years ago, it continues to influence how they see themselves, respond to stress, or navigate relationships. EMDR helps your brain process those experiences in a new way so they no longer carry the same emotional weight. As the brain processes a memory, clients often discover new insights or connections they hadn't previously recognized. Sometimes experiences we didn't realize were affecting us become clearer, helping us better understand current thoughts, emotions, behaviors, or relationship patterns. Rather than simply revisiting the past, EMDR helps you relate to those memories in a new way, allowing you to develop more balanced perspectives, more compassionate beliefs about yourself, and more adaptive responses in the present. Even when we're not doing a full EMDR session, I often incorporate elements of the approach into therapy. This might include building coping skills, creating a calm or "safe place" you can return to when you're feeling overwhelmed, strengthening emotional regulation, and helping you feel more grounded before exploring difficult experiences.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all connected. Sometimes we develop ways of thinking that were once protective or helpful but no longer serve us. These thought patterns can influence how we feel about ourselves, others, and the world around us, sometimes without us even realizing it. In therapy, we'll work together to identify these patterns, explore where they came from, and gently challenge thoughts that may no longer be accurate or helpful. As we begin to shift the way we think about a situation, we often notice changes in how we feel and, in turn, how we respond. Rather than reacting on autopilot, CBT helps you respond with greater awareness and intention.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-Centered Therapy is built on the belief that every individual has an innate capacity for growth, healing, and self-discovery. My role is to create the conditions that allow this growth to occur by fostering a safe, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic relationship. I do this by offering unconditional positive regard, creating a non-judgmental environment where you feel accepted and free to share openly. Through empathic understanding, I strive to understand your experiences from your perspective while using active listening and reflection to deepen insight. I also believe in congruence, meaning I show up authentically and genuinely in our work together to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship.mRather than directing the therapy process, I use a collaborative, non-directive approach that encourages self-exploration and recognizes you as the expert on your own life. My goal is to support your natural capacity for growth while helping you gain greater clarity, confidence, and self-understanding.
Location
Virtual sessions