Sean Baker, MFT, SEP
Co-Owner & Executive Director
(he/him)
CA License #36547
(805) 987-3162 x2
- Certified Trauma Healing Specialist
- Certified Gestalt Specialist
- Over twenty years of experience
Individual, family, and group therapy - Faculty at Pepperdine University
- Internship opportunities for therapists in training
Biography
Sean Baker MFT, SEP is co-owner and CEO at The New Beginnings Center for Somatic Mental Health in Camarillo, California. Combining training in Cortical Field Re-education with certifications in Somatic Experiencing and Gestalt therapy, Sean uses body-mind approaches to resolve clients’ distress related to trauma, gender dysphoria, and medical conditions. Sean advocates for transgender health care, providing staff sensitivity trainings and presenting at national conferences on gender diversity issues in mental health care.
Introduction
Hello. Is this the first time you’ve considered psychotherapy? Perhaps you’re a returning client. Either way, choosing a therapist who’s a good fit for you is an important decision. Finding someone whom you like and feel comfortable with can really help you begin your process of change. Feeling supported can certainly make talking about difficult issues much easier. My approach to psychotherapy emphasizes how your relationships will improve as you learn more about your emotional process. We will examine your relationships, (even the one with me), to learn more about how you can make more satisfying choices in your life.
Professional Philosophy
A little bit of background about me which can help you decide if I’m right for you…I graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. I worked in financial consulting for two years before I changed direction and entered Pepperdine University to complete my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. That was in 1994. I began my private practice at the same time that I was working at Pepperdine training doctoral Psychology students. Once licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I worked at Interface Children and Family Services, (the largest social service agency in the area), as the Director of Clinical Services. Providing low-fee mental health services to individuals and families in need was very satisfying.
Currently I see clients at New Beginnings and I continue to teach graduate courses for Pepperdine. I also supervise MFT interns. Along the way, I completed post-graduate studies at the Pacific Gestalt Institute. I particularly enjoy training students in Gestalt since it is both an approach to therapy and a philosophy of living which I agree with. Gestalt emphasizes awareness of one’s self and responsibility for one’s thoughts and behavior. I think I’m a better person and a much better therapist because of my Gestalt studies.
My passion for serving the community has included speaking engagements to support teenagers who are dealing with expression of individuality, and addressing how gender bias impacts our communication. I have also written a lifestyle column addressing gay and lesbian relationship issues. As an avid adventurer, I enjoy snowboarding and wakeboarding, hiking with my family and our dogs, and traveling to new places.
If you need more information to help you make an informed choice about a therapist, please ask me. I look forward to meeting you.
Please check out our Groups page for group opportunities for growth and healing that I and my colleagues are facilitating. Group therapy experiences are an excellent way to gain additional support while encountering the difficult work and pain that we may be facing.
