Psychotherapy and Counseling

True Nature offers mind body integrative psychotherapy and counseling in office on the farm in Dowagiac, MI, as well as telehealth sessions.

The decision to begin a therapeutic journey can be daunting yet richly rewarding. We strive to create a safe, collaborative, and supportive space to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your experiences and personal dynamics to promote a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Jennifer A Baker, LCPC, TCYM, offers the opportunity to work from a mind, body, and soul connection, and enjoys offering somatic therapies that may include, Somatic Experiencing, polyvagal theory, mindfulness, and yoga for mental health and wellness as a supplement to traditional talk therapy. Jennifer is committed to a therapeutic process that fosters a strong and stable sense of self, creativity, and resiliency, while valuing diversity and each individuals unique journey and goals.

Jennifer is a culturally sensitive, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist, with a deep commitment to cultural humility, and a compassionate understanding of the sociocultural and systemic factors that influence individual development and well being. There is great value in the experience of being understood and feeling free to be our authentic selves.

With over 15 years experience Jennifer has worked in a variety of settings to include community mental health, hospital settings, residential treatment, forensic programs and private practice. She has considerable experience working with clients facing challenges related, but not limited, to relationship and interpersonal concerns, histories of trauma, mood instability, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, psychosis, adjustment difficulties, and recovery from addiction. Jennifer pulls from a variety of modalities given her 20+ years in the mental health field.

HAD A NEGATIVE THERAPY EXPERIENCE?

My experience has led me to work with many people who come in with a previous negative therapy experience. I believe goodness of fit with your therapist is of utmost importance. I encourage clients to share and explore past therapy experiences with me to get a good understanding of what was helpful and what was not. This is an important step in building a therapeutic relationship. My approach to therapy is exploratory, non pathologizing and culturally attuned.

What is Somatic Therapy and How is it Implemented at True Nature?

Somatic therapy is a body-centered approach to healing that recognizes trauma and stress are not just psychological experiences—they are stored in the body. Through movement, breathwork, sensory awareness, and nervous system regulation, somatic therapy helps individuals process emotions, release tension, and restore a sense of safety and connection. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which relies primarily on verbal processing, somatic therapy works directly with the body's responses to support deep, lasting healing.

At True Nature Integrative Health, somatic therapy is implemented through a culturally attuned, experiential approach that incorporates elements of but not limited to:

  • Somatic Experiencing® – A trauma-informed method that gently guides the nervous system toward resilience and regulation.

  • Trauma Conscious Yoga Method®- A marrying of Trauma Informed Yoga, Somatic Psychotherapy, and Indigenous Healing Practices

  • Equine-Assisted Therapy – Horses provide nonverbal, embodied feedback, helping clients develop co-regulation, presence, and emotional awareness.

  • Nature-Based Healing – Grounding practices in the natural environment enhance connection to self, others, and the world.

WHY GOING TO THERAPY DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE WEAK OR FLAWED

We are in a society that pushes us to avoid pain and what we label as negative feelings. We are often told to "just get over it", "stay strong" or simply that our feelings do not matter. We are often taught that we should be happy at all times and if we aren't something is wrong with us. Many are quick to give us a fix, or solution, when we are really needing to be heard, understood, and to regain our voice. There are also various cultural dynamics that may bring reluctance to seeking support outside of the family. Allowing ourselves outlets to express ourselves, and a full range of emotion, is part of the human experience. It takes great strength and courage to share our experiences, and to work towards increased insight, growth and development. Connection is key to our well being. Therapy provides a space for this and is a part of self care and compassion.

*BCBS PPO/Choice, United, Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, Priority Health Plans Accepted

Individual Psychotherapy session (50-60 minutes) $150