Rachel Baker
Hello! Long before I became a licensed social worker, I took on the role of " therapist" to others around me. Helping people has always come naturally to me and is a gift that I credit to my grandmother. I have also experienced my own struggles and challenges which has allowed me to develop compassion towards others.
Through some of my own life experiences with grief and loss, traumatic events and feeling ' stuck' I have come to see the benefit of both positive and negative life events.
Through some of my own life experiences with grief and loss, traumatic events and feeling ' stuck' I have come to see the benefit of both positive and negative life events. All of those experiences have challenged me and helped me to grow both spiritually and mentally. In some of my most vulnerable times, I appreciated and noticed the life changing power of a listening ear. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 14 years of experience in the mental health profession. I am passionate about helping others to find their strengths and advocate for their recovery. I have served in many different roles throughout my professional career and enjoy all of the people that I have been blessed with getting to know. Therapy can be scary, exciting and challenging and I am always eager to walk people through that process.
First session
I am passionate about working with individuals who are dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD and adjustment disorders. I have a strong desire to help everyone reach their personal goals and find their purpose and meaning. Some of our first sessions will be focused on building a therapeutic connection that makes you feel safe and secure. I want to get to know you and spend time making this experience what YOU want it to be.
Strengths
I feel as though we are all so unique and special in our own way. I like to aide in building a strong foundation of self-love and compassion that focuses on an individual's strengths. I enjoy laughing, usually at myself, and accepting the idea that ' no one is perfect'. I focus my role on helping to guide you through your journey. I am truly amazed at the strength that people possess and love to watch others as they build resiliency. It is a truly powerful and refreshing moment. My office is filled with positive quotes and affirmations. I believe that Robert Frost said it perfectly with " the best way out is always through".
Ideal clients
Many clients come to see me in times of their life where they are most vulnerable. They may have recently experienced a major life event, going through a difficult transition, suffered a significant loss/ traumatic event, or are trying to manage symptoms of depression or anxiety. Whatever the situation is, I am confident that we can work together to find some hope and positivity.
Origin story
became a therapist because I have always found purpose in lifting people up. I’ve always wanted to be an advocate for others—to help them find their voice, rediscover their smile, and reconnect with their reason for moving forward. For a long time, I fought the idea of becoming a therapist. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to sit with people’s pain day after day. I wondered if I could carry the weight of someone else’s hardest moments and still have enough of myself left to give. But I eventually realized that sitting with someone in their pain doesn’t mean carrying it for them. It means being willing to hold space, listen without judgment, and remind them that they don’t have to navigate it alone. There is something incredibly meaningful about witnessing someone grow, find their strength, and make progress they may not have believed was possible. Being trusted with someone’s story is an honor, and watching them find their voice, their smile, or their reason again is one of the most gratifying parts of what I do. I became a therapist because I believe people deserve to feel seen, heard, supported, and empowered. And every day, I’m grateful that I get to be part of that journey.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize CBT skills to identify and alter negative thought patterns that affect your emotions and behaviors. Through treatment, I assist you with identifying some of the problem areas in your life, develop an understanding of the unproductive thought patterns and then identify goals to manage these thought patterns. This could include some journaling activities, behavior activation and teaching calming and relaxation skills. I also utilize EMDR ( eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) to process traumatic memories.
EMDR
I am EMDR Certified and utilize this approach for managing PTSD and other mental health conditions by processing disturbing memories and associated emotions through use of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- PennsylvaniaLicense CW024336