Samuel Baker

Hi, I'm Sam, and I'm honored to potentially be your therapist. Within this bio you'll learn about my background, my approach, my scope of practice, and what you can expect from therapy with me. It's my intention to be as transparent as possible in order for you to make a fully informed decision whether I'm the right clinician for you.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I received my graduate degree from the University of Southern Indiana in 2015 and went on to complete my clinical training in Atlanta, Georgia. I have been independently licensed since August 2020. Currently, I reside in San Antonio, Texas, and I hold licenses in Georgia, Texas, and Indiana.

I offer therapy services via a secure telehealth platform; however, telehealth is not appropriate for individuals who are currently experiencing acute suicidal ideations or acute homicidal ideations. If you are in crisis and need to speak with a professional immediately, please contact Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at 911, the National Crisis Hotline at 988, or visit the nearest emergency room.

I take confidentiality seriously. I don't share information about you with third parties and don't complete forms or provide documentation on your behalf, unless legally required to do so (e.g., in cases of suspected abuse or imminent harm).

I provide Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), which is a short-term, goal-directed approach. It’s based on the belief that you already have the strengths and resources you need to make changes in your life. My role is to ask targeted questions that help you identify and move toward your desired outcomes.

While I bring training and clinical tools to our work, I cannot replicate your biology or personal experiences; therefore, I feel it would be inappropriate for me to "teach" you things or instruct you on how you should behave. Having said that, it is important to note the following:

• You are the expert of your own life. I do not provide advice or direct suggestions.

• I do not offer formal diagnostic evaluations.

• I do not complete forms or write letters on your behalf (e.g., for emotional support animals, work/school accommodations, legal matters).

• My job is not to solve your problems for you but to speak with you in a way that helps you feel more capable of managing life’s challenges.

• I focus on fostering positive change, whatever that may look like for you.

Keep in mind there are countless 'styles' as it relates to therapy. If, for whatever reason, I don't meet your expectations, please know you may discontinue services at any point with absolutely no repercussions. I can even provide referrals to other qualified providers, and I'll likely do this if it becomes clear that you're not responding well to treatment.

During our initial session (and follow-up sessions, if necessary) we will work to establish direction, also known as a desired outcome or "best hopes." Follow this we will work together to co-construct extremely detailed descriptions of what your life looks like with this outcome present.

Ideally, my clients will notice several unique qualities that set me apart as a psychotherapist. I realize that establishing good rapport is critical to the therapeutic process, and I pride myself on being down-to-earth and communicating with clients like a human being (not a robot). Additionally, I hope that the manner in which I carefully and intentionally develop meaningful questions reflects an attention to detail; this is something I try to demonstrate in all aspects of life, not just therapy. Furthermore, I hope it's noticeable that I strive to be very good at what I do, and this is demonstrated through my effort and enthusiasm.