Meet Anna Barlage LMFT // Mental Health Therapist + Group Leader

1. What made you want to be a Mental Health Professional and how long have you been practicing? 

Anna Barlage LMFT

I have been working in the mental health field for about 10 years, with my first job being a overnight staff member at a long term residence for adult with serious and persistent mental illness while i was in college. I knew I wanted to be in a helping role since elementary school and even wrote that I wanted to be a psychologist in my 6th grade autobiography! My school counselor was immensely supportive during my parents divorce so I credit her for inspiring me. once it was time to choose a graduate program I was drawn to Marriage and family Therapy because of its emphasis on how to treat people with consideration for the system(s) they live in, since I know the people in my life have been immensely important to my wellbeing. 

2. Who are your favorite clients? 

This is a really hard one because I have worked in many different areas of mental health care, and have found I like parts about all of them. That being said, I would say my favorite two areas of mental health are working with those struggling with anxiety and perinatal mental health. Anxiety can be such a life altering and scary experience, so when I get to watch the transformation of seeing people get back to feeling like themselves again its pretty amazing. 

3. Is there anything else you do professionally outside of Mental Health work? 

No- but I am really good at cleaning!

4. What is the number one thing you wish for all of your clients? 

Peace.  One of my favorite quotes captures it perfectly:  Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of these things and still be calm in your heart. (I just wish I knew who wrote it!)

5. If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life what would it be? 

Brunch- eggs with some veggies and cheese, bacon, french toast, maybe some hash browns. You can cover all the food groups with a good brunch. Oh and coffee, lots of coffee!

6. If you got a whole day to yourself and you could be anywhere in the world, what would you be doing and with who? 

I have always wanted to go to New Zealand, so I would go there, to some beautiful beach with my kids and husband and just play, eat some good food and soak in their joy.

Therapy sessions available Thursday evenings 5-8pm and Saturday mornings 8-12. Mother to Mother group Saturday mornings at 10:30am.