John Baker, M.A., LMFT

Meet John:

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a professional background that spans military service, law enforcement leadership, and clinical practice. Before transitioning into the mental health field, I served in law enforcement and the military for more than 30 years, working in high-stress, high-responsibility environments where resilience, accountability, and human connection were essential. Those experiences continue to shape my clinical work and my respect for the complexity of the human experience.

I hold a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, with a clinical concentration, earned summa cum laude from Touro University Worldwide. The program is accredited by COAMFTE and WSCUC and is recognized by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, meeting all educational requirements for licensure in California.

Clinically, I work with adults, teens, and couples navigating trauma, chronic stress, emotional reactivity, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. With adolescents, therapy emphasizes emotional regulation, identity development, stress management, family dynamics, and building healthy coping skills in a developmentally appropriate and supportive manner.

My approach is integrative and structured. I am certified as a Master Practitioner in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and also incorporate Brainspotting, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and somatic-based approaches. Therapy is collaborative and goal-oriented, focused on practical tools, insight, and sustainable real-world change.

Beyond my professional roles, I am a devoted father and value close, meaningful relationships. I believe these lived experiences deepen my understanding of the challenges people face and inform the empathy I bring into the therapy room. Outside of clinical work, I recharge by spending time outdoors—mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, and connecting with nature. These practices reinforce the importance of balance, regulation, and staying connected to ourselves, others, and the world around us.

I work with men, women, teens, first responders, veterans, and couples, approaching each client with respect for their lived experience. Sessions are paced to support safety and progress, without unnecessary pathologizing or pressure. My goal is to help clients build stability, resilience, and healthier relationships—with others and with themselves.

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