Bailey Crist, LMSW

Hello! I’m Bailey and I have my Master's Degree in social work (LMSW) and I have been in the therapy field for the past three years. Both my Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Social Work were earned with a specialty in art methods from Western Michigan University. During my time in Kalamazoo, the internship I had with the Kalamazoo Youth Development Network was focused on uplifting youth voices in the community and educating/empowering young people to advocate for changes they’d like to see in the place they called home. This internship also allowed me to implement creative activities rooted in Social Emotional Learning with Out of School Time Programs throughout the city of Kalamazoo.

I have been a substance use and mental health therapist in individual, group, and family settings for the past 2.5 years. Working with a wide range of individuals is my preference and I enjoy working with all ages, starting at age 5. I have a background in utilizing therapy through artistic expression, EMDR therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) informed approaches, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) informed approaches. 

My imaginative spirit was conceived in Michigan and born in Alaska when I visited there in 7th grade for the first time and was captivated by the ebullient flowing rivers and scenery all around me. I live by the motto, “You are the expert in your own experience” and encourage clients to engage in therapeutic methods and activities that they believe will work best for them based on their unique life circumstances. I believe that non-traditional approaches to therapy can be beneficial for individuals who struggle with sharing how they feel/what they have experienced verbally. I possess a spirit for utilizing artistic methods in sessions and take pride in the idea that the journey of creating art is more important than the finished product. Oftentimes, I combine traditional talk therapy with mindfulness methods such as art or music into sessions.

I was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula. I also own an art business where my favorite animal (the octopus) can typically be found in my artwork. I love to travel, bake, explore nature, and spend time with my younger brother; my inspiration for moving back to the UP after college.