- You’ve been so busy taking care of your loved one with dementia, but who is taking care of you?
Taking care of someone with dementia can be totally overwhelming. You feel like you’ve already lost the one you love, but they’re still here. You feel guilty about wanting to get away, being exhausted, wishing it was over, for putting them in a nursing home. You’re afraid they’re going to forget your name, or heartbroken that they already have. You don’t like feeling like a parent to your spouse, and are tired of everything feeling like a struggle. You love them with all your heart and hate to see them suffer. It’s too much.
I’m Dr. Lisa K. Baker, a licensed clinical geropsychologist, and I understand all too well the difficulty of adjusting to the “new normal” of dementia. I want you to find meaning and connection with your loved one, even as memory and other abilities fade. I want your cup to be full enough so you can love and care the way you want to. I want you to have hope and even joy as you walk this road. You are not alone.
If you're ready to do something for you, I'd love to hear from you.
Call to schedule an appointment or a free 15-minute phone consultation. -
Personal Information
Despite my Finnish heritage, I'm a Florida girl through and through, and thrive anywhere there is plentiful sunshine and abundant heat. I'm beyond grateful my Seattle-ite husband has agreed to make Florida home!
It seems that no matter what job I'm drawn to, helping is at its core, and working as a therapist and helping others move towards the life they want is the greatest satisfaction I've known. Certain personal experiences particularly ignite my passion: I've been through the depths of caregiver burnout and the long process of refilling that internal well. I've also lived overseas for four years, primarily in Japan, and understand the unique strain of suddenly finding yourself illiterate and confused most of the time.
If ever there's any down time, there's likely a book in my hand. My favorite place for said book is on the porch with a glass of wine and my husband by my side. With nachos.Qualifications
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Florida license #PY7957
Ph.D., M.A. (clinical psychology) - Fuller Theological Seminary School of Psychology
M.A. (theology) - Fuller Theological Seminary
B.S. (psychology), summa cum laude - University of Miami
I have focused my education and experience on considering the whole person and understanding each individual from their unique worldview. I have worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient mental health, home-based elder care, university counseling centers, dementia clinics, VA hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and private practice. Each person I have encountered has enriched my understanding of what it means to be a person and the many versions of what it looks like to live life well. Specialties & Issues
Caregiver stress, end of life issues, postpartum depression, aging, elder care, coping with chronic illness, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, self-esteem, relationship issues, family issues, living abroad. It’s a bit of a mixed list, but I’ve found that every possible issue overlaps with caretaking, because life doesn’t stop and we come to our caretaking roles with every part of ourselves.
If you’re not sure if we’re a good fit to work together, please feel free to contact me for a free 15-minute consultation. I want to make sure you are finding the best help for you. It might be me, but if it’s not, I will tell you and give you guidance on how to find someone who will be a good match for you.- Alzheimer's & Dementia
- Anxiety
- Caregiver Support
- Christian Counseling
- Depression
- Divorce/Separation
- Eating Disorders
- Family Life
- Grief & Loss
- Insomnia
- Medical Consultation
- Medical Rehabilitation
- Menopause
- Mindfulness
- Mood Disorders
- Pain Management
- Panic Disorders/Attacks
- Phobias
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Postpartum Depression
- Relationship Issues
- Relaxation
- Self Esteem
- Stress Management
- Time Management
- Weight Management
- Women's Health
- Work/Life Balance
Approach
My approach to therapy is collaborative: you are the only one that knows what it is like to be you and to live your life, so I will come alongside you and work together with you to move your life in the direction you want to go.
I tailor my approach to each individual and their specific needs, using research-supported modalities. Together we will find the path to wholeness and balance that is most effective for you. For some people it’s about exploring the past and healing deep wounds, for others it’s about finding patterns in relationships, or changing unhealthy thinking, or learning new coping strategies, or strengthening self-esteem, or adding communication and assertiveness skills, or simply having your struggles heard and validated. The treatment is as unique as the individual.
In some cases, we focus specifically on problem-solving and decision-making. Sessions can also center on education and understanding how to relate to a loved one who has changed so much over the course of their illness. Family consultation is frequently a valuable tool, to help the entire system function in a more balanced and productive way.
To see a little more about what it's like to work with me, read my latest online Q&A on dementia here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Alzheimers/comments/7p7izb/we_are_licensed_mental_health_professionals_hereServices & Rates
It’s important to find a good fit with a therapist, to feel comfortable with the person you will be working with and opening up to, and to know that that person has the skills and expertise to meet your needs. If you’d like to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to determine if we are a good match, please contact me.
Rates:
$175 for a 50-minute therapy sessionInsurance
I work as an Out-of-Network provider. I am not on any managed care network panels. The fee is paid in full at the end of each session. At the end of each session, I provide my clients with invoices which they are able to submit to their insurance companies for reimbursement.
On the back of your insurance card, there should be a toll free number for questions related to your mental health benefit. When calling, be sure to check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
What are my mental health benefits?
Is online therapy covered?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?Lisa K. Baker, PhD's Blogs
