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Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Services

The most important thing in therapy is you; your comfort, your goals, and who you are as a person. We will work together to figure out what is most helpful for you, keeping in mind that therapy looks different for different people. Rather than using a single approach, I draw from several evidence-based psychological models and tailor them to your needs.

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Many of the people I work with place very high expectations on themselves. They are thoughtful and responsible, but often spend much of their energy meeting obligations and caring for others while their own needs fall to the bottom of the list. Therapy can provide space to step back, look at these patterns more clearly, and begin making changes that support both well-being and personal values.

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My work primarily uses cognitive and behavioral approaches that focus on both understanding patterns and making practical changes. Therapy tends to work best as an active process. We talk about what is happening in your life, look for patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and work together to find practical ways of responding differently.

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I do not simply sit quietly and expect you to carry the entire conversation. I participate in sessions and see therapy as a shared effort where we work together to better understand what is happening and develop strategies that can be applied in daily life.

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I take a bio-psycho-social approach and often incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, including Cognitive Processing Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention, along with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies. 

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Below are some of the areas we can address in therapy.

Image by Luis Villasmil

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD often affects far more than attention. Many adults experience difficulties with organization, time management, motivation, emotional regulation, and self-criticism. Therapy focuses on developing practical strategies that support how your brain works rather than fighting against it. This often includes psychoeducation about ADHD, building systems that support daily responsibilities, strengthening self-care habits, and reducing the shame many people carry after years of feeling misunderstood. While I do not provide formal ADHD testing or evaluations for accommodations, I can help you better understand your needs and support you in identifying helpful resources when appropriate.

Stressed Man

Anxiety, Avoidance & Compulsive Patterns

​Living with anxiety can feel like having an overprotective alarm system in your mind that is constantly on high alert. Situations that others seem to manage easily may feel overwhelming or exhausting. Through a combination of cognitive and behavioral strategies, exposure techniques, and psychoeducation about how anxiety works, we work together to gradually face fears, question unhelpful thinking patterns, and reduce patterns of avoidance or other behaviors that keep anxiety going. Over time this can help build confidence and a greater sense of control when responding to anxiety.

Mood and Depression

We all experience periods of sadness or discouragement. When these moods begin to consume us or interfere with daily life, it may be time to step back and seek support. Through our work together, we look at how thoughts, emotions, and behavior interact to influence mood. Therapy often includes practical strategies for increasing meaningful activity, understanding ways of thinking that affect mood, and developing greater self-compassion. Over time, many people find they are able to shift perspective, take meaningful action, and move out of cycles that keep low mood going.

Life Transitions

Major changes in life can bring uncertainty, stress, and questions about identity or direction. Even positive changes such as a new job, relocation, or relationship can feel overwhelming. Therapy provides a place to slow down and think through decisions more clearly. Together we examine the challenges involved, identify practical ways to manage stress, and develop strategies that support adjustment during times of transition.

Social and Communication Skills

Many emotional difficulties have a social component. You may want closer relationships but feel unsure how to connect, struggle with assertiveness, or find that interactions with others leave you feeling misunderstood. Therapy can help identify the patterns that affect social interactions and develop communication strategies that support healthier relationships. This often includes practicing assertiveness, understanding emotional responses, and building a social network that feels supportive and sustainable.

Art Therapy

Art therapy can be a meaningful way to explore thoughts and emotions when words alone feel limiting. You do not need artistic experience for art to be helpful. The process of creating can provide a different way to understand feelings, reduce stress, and reflect on experiences. If you feel uncomfortable talking right away or need time to warm up in therapy, art can offer another way to communicate what you are experiencing. While my primary approach involves talk therapy, art therapy may be incorporated when it feels useful and appropriate.

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Relationships

Relationships can bring connection, support, and meaning, but they can also be a source of stress and confusion. Over time patterns may develop that lead to frustration, resentment, or feeling misunderstood. While I do not provide couples therapy, I work with individuals to better understand relationship dynamics, strengthen communication skills, and develop healthier ways of responding to conflict. Therapy may involve examining expectations, learning more effective communication strategies, and deciding how to navigate difficult relationship decisions.

1229 Cornwall Ave., Ste 302

Bellingham, WA 98225

LESLIE BAKER, PSY.D., PLLC
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

(360) 209-8255

drlesliebaker@gmail.com

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