MEET ANNA BAILEY, ST. CLOUD THERAPIST
I’m Anna. I believe in authentic, intentional, real-life therapy.
You don’t have to stay stuck where you are today. But only you are capable of making that happen.
Listen, I know it would feel good to be told exactly what to do—to be given a checklist that, if you tick off all the boxes, will result in the connection and satisfaction you’re missing right now.
But as nice as that might feel in the moment, it’s not what’s going to serve you in the long run—it will only make you feel “reliant” on the recipe you’re given. And as your therapist, I’m committed to what’s truly best for you (even if it’s hard).
That means I don’t consider it my job to judge you, tell you what’s right or wrong, or list out steps for you. Our work is much more than that: it’s about helping you understand and unpack the deeper roots of the challenges you’re experiencing today, to process them, and then to take steps that lead toward the life and relationships you really want.
Who I work with
My clients show up to therapy with the intention to change.
They’re willing to be vulnerable and honest with themselves and with me, to take accountability even when it’s uncomfortable, and to apply what they learn in therapy to their day-to-day lives. Often, they’ve spent a long time discounting their challenges (“other people have it worse, so why am I complaining?”) but are realizing that in order to care for others, they must first care for themselves.
They’re also people with a sense of humor, who don’t believe everything has to be all “doom and gloom,” and who are looking for a therapist who isn’t afraid to challenge them when they need it.
My style
Authentic.
I show up to therapy as a fellow human, not someone who “knows everything” or has all the answers. You and I are equals.
Intentional.
When I say something, I mean it. There is thoughtfulness and purpose behind what I say, do, or bring up in therapy.
Direct.
I won’t sugarcoat things. When I see an opportunity for growth or a new perspective, I won’t shy away from sharing it with you.
My core beliefs
We repeat what we don’t repair.
Your needs matter.
Your problems do not define you.
Healing is not linear.
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Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (St. Cloud State University)
Bachelor’s of Science in Community Psychology (St. Cloud State University)
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Certified in Prepare/Enrich premarital counseling
Member of MAMFT (Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy)
Completed the PSI and 2020 Mom Professional Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training
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Therapy looks different in every session I have, there are times when CBT fits best, and other times we will use Narrative therapy, Systems therapy, attachment therapy, or a mixture of all of them and then some.
The goal is to get YOUR story, what YOU want to accomplish, change, and heal from. I meet your needs with what fits best and you have the input to let me know if you feel it is working or not. Therapy is a collaborative approach, where you’re the boss and you get to determine what feels right.
You don’t have to do this alone.
I’m along on this ride with you.