Vicki Barker
Growing up I was challenged with depression and anxiety along with familial dysfunction. When I heard about psychology in sixth grade, I decided I wanted to be a psychologist. After starting a family and enduring an abusive marriage I went back to school to become a mental health therapist.
After starting a family and enduring an abusive marriage I went back to school to become a mental health therapist.
I enjoy sharing my knowledge and challenging others to open their minds to a different way of thinking. Working with individuals as well as parents and couples is rewarding and fostering change for healthier relationships is truly beautiful.
First session
Sessions are client led, unless they specifically want questions. Creating a comfortable environment for the client by being relaxed and present is important for catharsis. Many times, the first session is listening to the challenges that brought them to therapy.
Strengths
My uniqueness comes from growing up with emotionally unavailable or lack of emotional intelligence modeled for me, and progressing into an empathetic understanding person, knowing that we are all on our own journey and we ALL have challenges along the way. Meeting clients where they are and fostering ways to bring awareness as well as offering tools and techniques to help alleviate symptoms. Being direct with clients is another way to bring about results, I am very clear that if the tools and techniques are not practiced and practiced the chances for change are limited.
Ideal clients
It is a great joy when clients are willing to practice tools to alleviate symptoms and see results. It is equally rewarding when educating and witnessing improvements regarding self-love and the importance of loving oneself.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My experience with CBT is when one can truly understand the concept and practice the tools given then symptoms will decrease. CBT is a big part of therapy, whichever modality used we all need to challenge and get control of our thoughts.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a fundamental part of therapy. When we educate our clients there can be many aha moments. When we can offer awareness through education it helps guide the therapy, through awareness change can happen.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
My experience with Mindfulness-Based Therapy was life changing. I went to a conference for three days and practiced mindfulness techniques. After those three days I was more clear, calm and had a positive outlook on life. I integrate the knowledge of the practice with my clients.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 87256