Kamila LaShaun Houston Baker
I'm Kamila LaShaun Houston Baker. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is Black, Queer and Genderqueer. I have over 12 years experience providing mental health services. For 6 of those years, I was in the role of a Peer Mentor where I used my own life experience with mental health challenges and deep empathy to support and empower others. I then became a Mental Health Therapist after attending Smith College School for Social Work where I received clinical training focused on healing complex trauma. I offer individual and group therapy services that honor and center Black and other POC communities who have historically been denied access to strength-based, empowering and culture-affirming mental health care.
I offer individual and group therapy services that honor and center Black and other POC communities who have historically been denied access to strength-based, empowering and culture-affirming mental health care.
First session
In our first session together, we'll primarily focus on discussing what has led you to seek therapy. I'll ask about any past experiences you've had with therapy and explore what changes you would like to make in your life as a result of attending therapy. This session is dedicated to establishing a strong connection and exploring the future direction of our work together. Recognizing that everyone is unique, I'll want to hear a bit about you before planning out work together.
Strengths
I have over 12 years of experience sitting with people and really listening. I strive to bring a warm presence to our interactions, allowing us to have an authentic therapeutic connection while staying focused on your goals and growth. I actively pursue advanced training in trauma-focused and expressive arts therapy modalities. This allows me to remain current with the latest research and best practices in the field, empowering me to better support my clients' healing journeys with innovative therapeutic techniques and approaches.
Ideal clients
Everyone deserves the freedom to define themselves and access services that genuinely meet their needs. I am here to support you process through past experiences that are keeping you stuck and build your confidence to create the life you want. Common experiences my clients seek support for include: feeling anxiety, feeling stuck in life, regretting impulsive behavior, feeling out-of-body and disconnected (particularly when stressed), feeling unease, relationship difficulties, feeling uninspired and depressed.
Treatment methods
EMDR
I'm proud to say I've received training in EMDR therapy through The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). Over the past two years, I've been actively practicing EMDR therapy and am currently on track to become a certified EMDR therapist. Continuously enhancing my skills, I regularly attend advanced EMDR trainings and seek guidance from experienced EMDR practitioners. I feel confident in my ability to support individuals in processing with stuck points, dissociation, and complex trauma. EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, is a type of psychotherapy that helps people heal from distressing experiences, such as traumatic memories, by processing them in a structured way. During EMDR sessions, the therapist helps the person focus on specific memories or thoughts while also engaging in bilateral stimulation, which can involve eye movements, taps, or sounds. The bilateral stimulation is believed to help the brain process the distressing memories more effectively, reducing their intensity and emotional impact. As a result, the person can gain new insights, develop coping mechanisms, and ultimately experience relief from the emotional distress associated with the traumatic experiences.
Psychodynamic
I am trained in a contemporary form of psychodynamic therapy known as relational psychodynamic therapy. In this therapeutic approach, we recognize the profound impact of childhood experiences and relationships (attachments) on shaping our current selves. Through relational psychodynamic therapy, we explore your patterns of behavior in relationships and examine how they may be influencing your present circumstances.
Strength-Based
I firmly believe that shaming someone is never conducive to the healing process. In my practice, I offer strength-based therapy, where we not only acknowledge life's challenges but also focus on identifying and nurturing our strengths and available resources. My approach to therapy is highly collaborative—I provide a supportive space where you can cultivate autonomy, confidence, and intuition in your decision-making process.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions445 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 116580