Dr. Cheryl Barker

I am a PhD Psychologist with over 50 years of experience helping professional adults and caregivers navigate complex life transitions. My background as a counselor, teacher, and consultant allows me to offer a broad, practical perspective on personal growth and organizational change. I specialize in supporting those who feel "stuck" or overwhelmed—whether due to career shifts, relationship strain, or the weight of caregiving—helping them move toward a life that feels grounded, clear, and aligned.

My approach is built on the belief that insight alone isn't always enough to create lasting change. To move beyond distress, we must address the physiological patterns and brain chemistry that keep you feeling stuck. I integrate research-informed methods like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Havening—a psych-sensory technique—to shift your nervous system’s actual experience of safety. This "bottom-up" approach helps rewire your response to anxiety and trauma, moving you from fight-or-flight into real healing.

In our first session, we will create a sophisticated and supportive space to slow things down. My goal is to listen deeply to your story while identifying the underlying patterns that are no longer serving you. You can expect a collaborative conversation where we define your immediate goals and explore how my somatic and cognitive techniques can help you find relief. We will begin the work of moving you from feeling "stuck" to feeling a renewed sense of clarity and focus for the journey ahead.