Meet Dr. Linda Baker | Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Unstuck Therapy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Linda Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Linda, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
As a clinical psychologist, I knew that I always wanted to work with women. I have a strong feminist lens and imagined working predominantly in women’s issues regarding mental health. During graduate school, I applied for practicum placements at women-centered shelters, prisons, and halfway houses, but alas- I never secured a role. I ended up doing the majority of my academic field placement work in men’s corrections offering both individual and group therapy.

Fast-forward after graduation, and I decided to open my own private practice in 2013. As an early career psychologist, I assumed that most people seeking therapy were likely women and expected my caseload to reflect that. But, no. Referral after referral came in from young men, between the ages of 25-45, who needed help. With an “Icantbelievethisishappening” eyeroll and feeling genuinely perplexed, I accepted the universe’s command and entered into the realm of men’s therapy.

I have been in practice now for 12 years and have a specialty focus in men’s issues ranging from depression and anxiety to identity and gender to anger and rage to suicidal and homicidal ideation. Most of the guys who get in touch are looking at how to improve their relationships with themselves and others. Many of these men would like to secure healthy connections with women both romantically and platonically. Unexpectedly, I have found my calling in helping women by helping the men that they are in relationships with.

I am hopeful that my small therapy practice is helping the community by welcoming in a population who isn’t known for their interest or engagement in psychotherapy. I want to provide safe space, without judgment, in understanding the pain of the human experience so that we can decrease the harm of things like toxic masculinity, threat potential, and violence. I have come to learn that helping one population, like a droplet into a pool of water, ripple effects out into the deep, interconnectedness of us all.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My private therapy practice, Unstuck Therapy, focuses on men’s issues and LGBTQIA+ folks. My client base is about 50/50 of each population. One of the things that sets me apart is that I find it most rewarding to work with introverted, nerdy, and neurodivergent individuals and those who have experienced narcissistic abuse, childhood trauma, attachment issues, and spiritual or religious abuse. I am proud of the fact that I carry an intentionally smaller caseload so each of my clients feels that I have room for them in both my calendar and in my spirit. : )

I got to where I am today business-wise through sheer stubbornness. Building a private practice takes an incredible amount of patience (not my strongsuit) and hope. The path has not been easy, but it has never been boring. I am so very honored that people trust me with their inner worlds and the climb to get here has been so worth it.

Speaking of climb, my work kind of feels like what I imagine being a Sherpa feels like. My goal is to walk with the client on treacherous, scary, and sometimes painful terrain, to help them put one foot in front of the other, to believe in themselves, to understand how far they have come, and to act as a guide in helping them reach the summit– which is often right back to their highest Self.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my gosh. I love this question. I would start off by staying downtown at Hotel Teatro and utilizing the hell out of their 24/7 coffee bar and complimentary breakfast burrito station. Once satiated, I’d walk over to the Museum of Contemporary Art to checkout their newest exhibit and hit up Tao Boba on the way. For dinner, make an early reservation at Tavernetta and walk around Union Station afterwards, but just for a bit, so that you can make the 7:30PM show at Comedy Works. Finish the night with the mile-high carrot cake and cucumber gimlet at Ocean Prime. Nighty Night. Over the next few days maybe go for a hike (if you must) as long as you’re back for Drag Brunch at Champagne Tiger on Sunday followed by a series of dizzying adventures to the Botanic Gardens, Casa Bonita, and Meow Wolf. Whew!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my partner, Dave Manley. He has been with me through training, internship, graduation, private practice and beyond. I’m so thankful to him for his unyielding support and unwavering sense of calm.

Website: https://www.UnstuckTherapy.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlindabakeratunstucktherapy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnstuckTherapy/

Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/linda-baker-denver-co/168004

Image Credits
All photos provided by iStock free photo images