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Get to Know Bailey

Therapist in Austin, TX

Bailey Patterson, LPC Associate

Supervised by Ana Salazar, PhD, LPC-S

Pronouns: She/Her

Specialties
LGBTQIA+
Gender and Sexual Identity Exploration
Anxiety
ADHD
Depression
Life Transitions and Stress Management
Relational Issues
Cultural and Systemic Oppression

Ages 
Teens
College Students
Adults

Insurances and Fees
Aetna・ Cigna ・ Meritain ・Self Pay

Bailey Patterson

Online counseling for residents of Texas and in office therapy in Austin, TX

Hi! My name is Bailey and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas.  

I view each person as a whole and unique individual. I will honor your lived experiences and approach our relationship with humility and curiosity.  I also approach therapy through a lens of holistic wellness. That means I consider not just thoughts and emotions, but also physical well-being, social connections, personal environment, career aspirations, and spiritual beliefs; everything that impacts your overall quality of life.

I strive to create a safe space for introspection of your inner world and committed change for the better in your outer world.

Our working relationship together will be the single most important part of therapy. Without trust and authenticity in our alliance, we have nothing. I won't bring in frilly vocabulary or elaborate techniques until we have a strong therapeutic relationship and understanding of each other in it.

 

There are so many questions, challenges, and uncertainties in life. And I certainly don't have all the answers, but I hope to help you find your own!  

 

The truth is, therapy is hard work. It takes commitment, courage, and resiliency to regularly show up for yourself in and out of session. I will be with you every step of the way as a steady, supportive presence, grounding our work in your values, your goals, and the unique story that makes you who you are. And I deeply believe that you are worth putting in that hard work for yourself.

How I Help

My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and anti-racist and I strive to live and practice with cultural humility. Finding therapy as a career has been a part of my own personal journey as I did not always know that this was what I wanted to do, and spent many years in another career field. When I found counseling, it just clicked! I absolutely relish the never-ending demand to continually learn and grow, remaining humble and curious to the world around me and the people in it. 

 

My therapy style is adaptable and flexible; while promising to show up as my authentic self. Something like homework is completely up to you, as some clients prefer it for accountability and some despise it as one more thing on the to-do list. I am easy-going and gentle in our conversation while also not beating around the bush. I lean into direct and transparent feedback, my clients have shared that this helps them to rip the band-aid off and get to the pain and stuck pieces. 

 

A key part of this personalized process is honesty and open communication with each other. I encourage you to let me know what’s working in our sessions, what isn’t, or if something just feels off. No concern is too small to mention, and nothing you share will be dismissed. There are no rules about sticking to one way of working together; it’s completely normal to change your mind about what you prefer or need from me as we go. Therapy is a collaboration, and your feedback helps me adjust my approach so that it truly meets your needs. 

My practice draws from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), self-compassion theory, and a person-centered approach. In our sessions, we may work on clarifying your values and exploring committed actions that align with them. We may also incorporate mindfulness skills to stay grounded in the here and now, making it easier to turn down the volume on unwanted thoughts and emotions. And like all of us, you may have an inner critic who means well, but has a nasty way of going about it. Together, we can understand the intention behind that voice and transform it into a self-compassionate guide who helps you move toward the life you want, rather than holding you back.​​

Heavenly Sky

Therapy Areas of Focus

I know you’re wondering, ‘what will our sessions look like?’

 

Well, in the first few meetings, we will be getting to know one another, at whatever pace feels right for you. I believe the single most important part of therapy is a strong working relationship, so we'll focus on building that foundation together.

 

This might include:

  • learning about your past experiences in therapy

  • what you hope to gain from our process, the people who matter most to you

  • patterns of thoughts and emotions that have been difficult

  • current habits you're hoping to change,

  • what fills your cup as well as what drains it.

Anything you're ready to share is welcome. All of these pieces help paint a fuller picture of who you are and the world you move through.

Early on, we can also start exploring what you hope will look different in the future. How will you know therapy is working for you? What do you need from me to support that change? Once we’ve built trust and clarified your goals, we can begin working toward them in a way that honors who you are, what you value, and the life you want to create.

Follow the Rainbow

Do you feel misunderstood by friends, family, and peers? Are you scared to use a public bathroom? Do you worry about the future of your rights to be and love as you are?  

 

The pressures of a heteronormative world can be overwhelming, and the never-ending process of coming out exhausting. As a queer-identifying therapist, I want to help carry the weight of these feelings and much more.

 

Whether you're still exploring who you are, navigating the stresses from systemic challenges, or simply tired of being forced to fit in a box, we can work through it together.  

 

Every step of the way, I will assure you that your identity and your love matter!  

 

Maybe your identity is not even relevant to your main desire for therapy; you just want someone who gets what it means to be queer. I am here for you!

 

If your loved one is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, therapy is for you too. 

 

Whether your child has come out or your partner is exploring their gender, these changes can bring up a wide range of emotions from confusion and worry to fear or grief, as well as joy and pride. I create a safe space where you can explore these challenging thoughts, emotions, and beliefs without judgment. You’ll have a place to process your feelings, ask questions, and work through any uncertainty or tension that may arise in your family relationships.

 

As a queer-identifying therapist, I offer not only a nonjudgmental listening ear but also an informed, empathetic perspective that can help you navigate conversations that feel too difficult to have directly with your loved one. My goal is to support you in understanding, accepting, and communicating with your family in ways that strengthen your connection while honoring everyone’s journey. Together, we can build strategies, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate compassion both for yourself and your loved one as you move through this evolving chapter of your family life.

Image by Ivana Cajina

Growing into your adulthood comes with a lot of changes, from starting college or a career to navigating independence, building new routines, and clarifying your sense of self. You may also suddenly find yourself responsible for all these "adult" things, like keeping track of bills and understanding credit cards. What even is insurance anyways?

 

On top of that, modern life brings its own challenges, like endless screen time, constant comparison on social media, and balancing expectations from family, friends, and yourself. These pressures can feel heavy, confusing, and sometimes isolating.  

 

What's for dinner tonight, and what job will you do for the next 40 years?...

 

You now have all these little tasks to manage, and at the same time, it can seem like you're carrying the weight of the rest of your life; that you have to have everything figured out right away. The untold secret is... You don't!  

 

I have years of experience with high school and college students working through these big life changes and decisions. You're not alone. Whether they admit it or not, all of your peers are going through the same stressful changes.  

 

In therapy, I create a safe space where you can explore these experiences without judgment. Whether you’re learning to manage anxiety, make sense of big life transitions, or figure out who you want to be and how to live intentionally, we can work through it together.

 

We can explore how to advocate for yourself in these new spaces in a way that honors the adult you are.

 

I’m here to support you in clarifying your values, building practical coping strategies, and navigating the ups and downs of this stage of life.

 

Together, we’ll focus on your strengths, your goals, and your unique path, helping you move forward with confidence, self-compassion, and resilience.

Glitch Butterfly in Nature

Holistic Counseling
 

Holistic wellness is about caring for yourself as a whole person in mind, body, spirit, and life circumstances, rather than focusing on one area in isolation.  

 

In therapy, I approach your well-being with this perspective, helping you explore how your mental health, physical health, daily habits, relationships, work or school, finances, career, personal environment, and sense of purpose all interact and impact one another.

 

Life can feel overwhelming when all these pieces demand attention, and it’s easy to feel like you have to “fix” everything at once. I want you to know that you don’t! We’ll focus on what matters most to you and take it one step at a time to build sustainable habits and systems.

 

Are you struggling with sleep, nutrition, or movement? Do you feel pressure to follow a strict diet or a fitness routine that doesn’t fit your life? True wellness doesn’t have to look like hitting the gym for hours or following someone else’s meal plan. It’s about discovering the practices that actually make you feel good, and most importantly, are actually attainable with your schedule!  

 

Are financial worries or career decisions weighing on you? Are you navigating the stress of school, work transitions, or planning for your future? These areas are an essential part of wellness too. Together, we’ll explore strategies to build stability, set achievable goals, advocate for yourself in the workplace, and reduce overwhelm while staying aligned with your values and desired work-life balance.

 

Are you curious about your sense of meaning, purpose, or connection in life? Spirituality can take many forms, and it looks different for everyone. For some, it may be rooted in traditional religion or faith practices; for others, it might be spending time in nature, reflecting through journaling, meditation, or mindfulness, or simply connecting with your inner self more deeply. In therapy, we can explore what spirituality means for you and how it can support your overall wellness.  

 

We’ll work together to untangle the noise of modern life, identify what truly supports your wellbeing, and create practical, sustainable habits that feel authentic and doable.

Chalk Colors

A Bit About Me

As a native Texan, it's important to me to stay connected with the LGBTQIA+ community of the south (we are here and we are queer!). I especially enjoy the thriving art scene of Austin, whether it's markets, street art, or local live music; and supporting small artists and businesses. I am also an advocate for sustainable living and treasure a good thrift find for my wardrobe or refinishing an old home piece.

 

I intentionally take time to reset at home often with my fur babies and loved ones. I take pride in cultivating a home space that feels personal and peaceful; a place to cook good food, raise beautiful plants, experiment with crafts, get lost in a novel, and just relax. I like to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, no matter the Texas weather (and my working breed dog definitely makes sure of it!).

Wooden Live Music Sign

Let's rediscover your Bright Light.

Pencils on Yellow Background

My Qualifications

M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

B.A. in Telecommunications and Media Studies

2025

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

2020

Texas A&M University-College Station

License Information

Licensed Professional Counseling Associate, 

Texas, 100173

Supervised by: Ana Salazar, Ph.D., LPC-S

Texas Public Complaint
Notification Statement

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct committed by marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, psychological associates, social workers, and licensed specialists in school psychology. Although not every complaint against or dispute with a licensee involves professional misconduct, the Executive Council will provide you with information about how to file a complaint. Please call 1-800-821-3205 for more information

For assistance please contact:

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council

1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300 Austin, Texas 78701

(512) 305- 7700, or 1-800-821-3205.

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30 N Michigan Ave Ste 515,

Chicago, Illinois 60602

1500 W 38th St Suite 32,

Austin, Texas 78731

Contact

FX: 1-888-356-8766

We acknowledge that the Chicago office of Bright Light Counseling Center is located on the unceded land of the Potawatomi, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Myaamia, Kaskaskia, Kickapoo, Ho-Chunk, and Peoria Nations. We also acknowledge that the Austin office of Bright Light Counseling Center is located on the unceded land of the Tonkawa, Coahuiltecan, Jumanos, Comanche, Lipan Apache, and Sana Nations.We pay our respects to the elders, past and present, of these Nations. We are grateful for the opportunity to work and live on this land.

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