Hi! I’m an LCSW based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I obtained my master’s degree from the University of Maryland and have 24 years of counseling experience. Areas of focus in my practice include helping clients navigate grief issues, adjustment and transition challenges, anxiety, and depression. For the past 7 years, my focus has be working with clients who struggle with the effects of PTSD, complex trauma, and stressor-related disorders. The debilitating effects of traumatic experiences can include symptoms of high anxiety, fears and phobias, anger reactions, avoidance, depression, sleep problems and nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty concentrating and working, low self esteem, and interpersonal/relational conflict. I am a certified EMDR therapist and use EMDR in much of my practice as it has a high degree of efficacy. Other treatment modalities offered to clients include somatic experiencing, person-centered and strength-based approaches, Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session is spent learning about the the challenges you are experiencing, and reason(s) for seeking therapy. It is also a time for getting comfortable with me and the counseling process. The session will involve a review of the client's symptoms and factors that contribute to emotional distress. I will ask for a general health history. Time will be spent discussing the ways we can work together on the identified challenges, and in answering any questions and addressing concerns. By the end of the first session, we will have developed a plan of action for moving forward. if desired, in-person sessions may be available after the initial virtual intake appt.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength is in the passion I have for this work. I never stop learning and growing in this field. It is in witnessing clients work to heal from emotional wounds, and often life-long struggles, that gives me a sense of joy and appreciation for the human spirit.
About Theresa Baker, LCSW, EMDR Certified
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
EMDR
I use EMDR in most of my work with clients experiencing the effects of complex, and single event trauma. It is a highly effective treatment for anxiety, nightmares, fears and phobias, grief and depression, related to overwhelming past experiences.
Mind-body approach
I recognized the bi-directional nature of physical health and mental well-being. Somatic awareness is so important in the process of healing. Those suffering from trauma and associated anxiety, fear, anger, grief and depression often feel unsafe inside their own bodies. Somatic work gradually builds a sense of safety acceptance within the body and nervous system. Offering tools for mindfulness practice is a cornerstone of my work with clients and is useful in the treatment of most conditions and particularly with symptoms of anxiety.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT can be a very helpful tool either used alone, or in combination with other therapies, to help address inaccurate or negative thinking in order to better navigate life’s challenges. Gradual exposure work is a type of behavioral therapy I’ve used successfully with avoidant behaviors.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I believe in the inherent inner wisdom of all people, and in the ability to heal ourselves when we feel emotionally safe, valued, and understood. Through person-centered and strength-based approaches, clients learn to tap into their strengths, recognize their resilience, and gain the courage and self-esteem to navigate the course of their lives in ways they may not have been able to imagine.
Grief Therapy
I have spent the majority of my professional life working with populations of people in states of grief and the life adjustments it demands. Grief is a universal life experience. Professional grief work will address symptoms that make daily living difficult. It can help bring meaning to loss, and hope for healing.