Look and Listen

Biography

Leslie Baker, MA, MFT has over twenty years of experience counseling individuals, couples, marriage, teens, children and families. She graduated Magna cum Laude with a BS degree in Child Development/ Family Studies from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; and earned her MA degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Santa Barbara. Leslie graduated Magna cum Laude with a BS degree, in Child Development / Family Studies from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; and she earned her MA degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Santa Barbara. Prior to starting her full time private clinical practice in Pleasanton, Leslie had a broad range of practical, non-profit, community and county agency experience, having worked in group homes for the physically and emotionally challenged, the public school system as a behavior specialist, and as an intern in child abuse agencies and eating disorder clinics. She is an experienced workshop facilitator. Leslie is a Lead Area Chair for the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Phoenix. She was awarded Faculty of the Year in 2008. She is a clinical member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist and a clinical member of the California Association for Play Therapy. Leslie is a devoted wife and mother of two children. She spends her free time with family and friends and enjoys writing, kayaking, travel, sailing and quilting.

Inspiration

Over the years many families have asked, how do I talk to my child about the mental health issues we are facing? I researched many stories and found that many were very sad and hopeless in the presentation of the depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses. After reading one such book I found myself weeping in the bookstore for the children who may be left to think that their is no hope or treatment for their parent or caregiver who may be suffering. Inspired I awoke in the middle of the night, sat down at the computer and wrote. Healing Feelings is the result of that inspiring night. I am so pleased to have the opportunity to share a story of hope and healing with children and their families. Healing Feelings is a hopeful tool to help families talk about mental illness with their children and have hope for healing.