Tara Griffith Baker
Founder + Executive Director
LMFT #45131

Adult Therapy *
Child Therapy (Ages 6+) *
Pre-Operative Bariatric Evaluations
Post-Operative Bariatric Coaching *

* Sorry! Tara is unable to accept new therapy clients at this time.

San Francisco Office
Benicia Office
Virtual

• Emerging Adults + Millennials
• Quarter-Life Crises
• Life Transitions
• Parenting
• Disordered Eating
• Weight Loss Surgery
• Self-Esteem
• Generalized Anxiety
• Stress Management

• BS in Psychology Cum Laude, University of California at San Diego

• MA in Marital and Family Therapy, University of San Diego

• Nutritional Counseling
• Co-Active Coaching
• Emerging Adulthood
• Positive Psychology
• Mindfulness Meditation
• Bariatric Surgery

I provide both therapy and life coaching services and am particularly passionate about working with the specific challenges faced by young adults living in the Bay Area. My specialty areas include life transitions, navigating your 20’s and beyond, self-esteem, body image, disordered eating, anxiety, dating and relationships, healthy communication, and entrepreneurial stress. In addition, I have extensive expertise working in the field of weight management and supporting clients who are considering, or who have already undergone, bariatric surgery.

First and foremost, I believe that it’s the relationship between the therapist and client that creates the foundation for change. My clients will tell you that I’m accepting, hopeful interactive, and often incorporate humor (as appropriate) in my work. I believe deeply in the power of positivity and personal connection and offer a highly personalized approach (blending psychotherapy and coaching techniques) tailored to fit each of my client’s unique needs, personality, and preferences.

I also believe that you are the ultimate expert on your own life.  It’s my job, however, to ask the right questions and act as your guide. I’ll help you identify your strengths and talents, develop self-awareness, and gain confidence where you need it.  I’ll challenge you at times and provide feedback on the thoughts and behaviors that may be keeping you stuck.

My life has been a series of adventures (both exhilarating and heartbreaking) and I’m a prime example that you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover.  It took me a long time, and a lot of mistakes, to feel like I was finally getting life right.  This is why am so passionate in guiding others through their toughest times and helping them live a meaningful life with intention and direction.

I find happiness in nature and in the color green.  I value friendship and a good belly laugh above all things and will never turn down an opportunity to listen to live music or sit in the sunshine.  I fill my free hours with family time, road trips, being creative, and learning how to be a better ME. I’m left handed and was voted Most Shy in junior high school (yeah, I’ve come a long way).

“Coming to the office was always a transforming experience. The rapport we built allowed me to open up and find the best parts of myself while healing the parts that hurt.”

“Tara is phenomenal! She is a wonderful listener and knows exactly when to just let you vent and when to help you snap out of it.  She gently directs the conversation towards possible solutions.  Every visit with her is like talking to a friend who gives valuable suggestions or action items to become a better version of you.”

“My last therapist was just there to listen to me complain which I personally found unproductive.  Tara would listen and then take me a few steps further.  We would brainstorm solutions and develop action steps to take me where I wanted to be.”

“This stuff works! In the past few years, I’ve changed so much and learned more about myself than I’ve learned in my whole life.”

“When starting therapy, I was fearful that the sessions wouldn’t really help and I would be wasting money.  This definitely did not come true!  Instead, I felt like I gained a lot of valuable tools and help during some rough times.”

“I would 100% recommend Tara! She helped me grow in the face of adversity and I still use the tools she taught me.”

“Being new to therapy, I was scared that I would be judged and made to feel small – that whatever I was sharing was something that someone my age should be able to figure out on their own.  That did not happen, and instead, I learned that it was okay to go through the things I was going through! Tara simply made me feel safe – safe to share, feel, and be okay with what I was thinking and feeling.”

“When starting therapy, I was most afraid of not connecting. I had previously tried talk therapy and the therapist felt very detached and clinical.  I was happy to find that Tara was warm and relatable.  It was easy to open up, and when she dove deeper with questions, it felt like she was listening and trying to help me find a conclusion on my own.”

“I’ve recommended Tara to many, many friends and always end up telling them the same thing: If you want someone to listen, be compassionate, but also offer up food for thought, Tara’s your girl.”

“Working with Tara feels like a partnership – like she is someone who walks by your side rather than someone who has power over you because of a degree or the experience she holds.  I like the sense of equality.  With Tara, it just feels like two humans going on a life journey together.”

“A word that describes Tara is insightful.  She always seems to have the right question to ask or observation to make at the right time.”

“Tara is amazing! She really ‘gets’ what I’m talking about and never seems judgmental. I’ve taken a lot of what she’s said to heart and been able to make positive changes in my life. Plus, I feel like she genuinely cares about me.”

“Therapy has been a really positive experience.  My previous therapist was a very nice woman but I just felt like I wasn’t making progress or following up on the things she asked me to do.  With Tara, the suggestions she gives really stick, and I think about them and use them often.”