Kim Baker, CIT

What led you to becoming a mental health clinician?

Taylor Alison Swift once sang, "Life is emotionally abusive," and isn't that the truth.   

While I was working with my own therapist, I had a gut feeling that I could offer to other people what she offered me: Unconditional positive regard, challenging deeply-held beliefs I had about myself, and learning to love EVERY single part of myself. It seems cheesy to say that my therapist made me want to become a therapist, but it's true, and I'm not one to sling bullshit.

For as long as I can remember, I've felt deeply connected to the people I meet, be it a family member, friend, co-worker, or a stranger asking for directions. I've always felt invigorated by hearing about people's triumphs, fears, insecurities, and even the mundane parts of their life. I've been told that I bring a comforting presence and peaceful energy with me everywhere I go. While these things are very flattering, it was tricky for me to put these talents to use in other professional settings, so I decided to follow my intuition and began studying to become a professional counselor.  

Everyone has a beautifully unique story to tell, and I want to hear yours. I want you to learn to love every single part of yourself, even the parts that are criticized by yourself, by society. I want you to find a place where you can shimmer, and know that when life is terrible, it won't be that way forever.

What does being a 'good therapist' mean to you? 

A good therapist is someone who isn't afraid to be wrong, shows up every day and does their best, and knows that a person is the expert of themselves. In my counseling sessions, I pride myself on my ability to read and match my clients' energy. I feel that it’s important to have an attitude open to taking chances, making mistakes, getting messy! 

I always want my clients to know that I am far from perfect and a work in progress, just like you. 

What’s your training and educational background?

I have a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from Truman State University. I am currently working towards my Master's of Science in Clinical Counseling at Central Methodist University. I should be graduating in December 2024!

I currently offer Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT- informed) for both individual clients as well as couples, Positive and Strengths-Based psychology, and Gottman-informed couple’s therapy.

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Outside of sessions, Kim is often diving deep into Taylor Swift easter eggs and clowning about her upcoming projects! She also loves gardening, driving down backroads, making arts and crafts with her kids, and listening to true crime podcasts. She adores any plant that she’s grown or propagated (or a friend has given her!), wildflowers, and willow trees.