Pietruck Therapy Services
Therapy Services
Lindsay Pietruck Bailey, LMSW
(she/her/hers)
Where she studied:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Family Studies
– Central Michigan University
Master of Social Work
– University of Michigan
What she does at Pietruck Therapy Services
Founder, Managing/Operations Director & Psychotherapist
Location:
Ann Arbor & Saline
Contact:
Meet Lindsay
A book that you think everyone should read:
“The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Believe it or not, a therapist 🙂
Other than mental health, what is something you’re passionate about?
Gardening! I grow flowers (Dahlia’s are my favorite), fruits and vegetables.
What is your favorite quote?
I live for quotes, so it is impossible for me to chose only one:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
“Be Here Now.” – Ram Dass
What do you do for self-care/self-love?
Self-love and self-care are both daily commitments. I love to travel. I love to take walks, garden and shop for indoor plants. I love to spend time with my family and thoroughly enjoy getting massages.
What is your favorite way to move your body?
I love going on walks with my dog, our office therapy dog, Waggs. I love doing yoga, particularly Yin Yoga, and enjoy working out by doing cardio and lifting weights.
Who is your ideal client?
It is hard for me to identify an “ideal” client persay, as I enjoy working with a diverse population of clients. I like to work with a wide range of ages, as well as presenting areas of growth. I do particularly really enjoy working with clients who are in “non-traditional” relationships, clients who identify as LGBTQIA+ and teenagers in general. I also enjoy working with clients who have experienced trauma and those who are going through life transitions. It is exceptionally fun to work with clients who are open-minded, who are willing to take risks in the therapeutic process and have a thirst for learning.
Why do you like being a therapist?
I like being a therapist because I love people and learning about their story; it’s the connection for me. I love partnering with clients to work toward their goals, particularly observing client growth and coming along for all of the in-between’s. I also enjoy holding space for folks and showing up for humans. I truly love this work!
What is something you wish people knew about therapy?
There is not a “right way” to do therapy because the process is whatever the client needs it to be. I wish people knew that it looks different for each and every person; it is not a one-size-fits-all approach and has a different meaning for everyone. Everyone can benefit from therapy, and seeing a therapist does not mean that something is “wrong” with you. Another thing? We cannot expect that therapy will take away all bad feelings forever, but we can expect that it does give us the space, time and skills to better equip ourselves. I also wish people knew that if therapy did not work for you one time in your life, it may look different at another time in your life and/or with a therapist who is a better fit. Lastly, sometimes therapy may feel like hard work, but other times, it may be relaxing, funny or celebratory.
Why/how can people benefit from therapy?
There are many benefits of therapy. Some may include but are not limited to: processing trauma, learning and practicing coping skills, having a safe space to share, reconnecting with yourself and/or others (or setting boundaries when needed), thinking and talking through your own thoughts and feelings, learning how to observe habits/patterns/behaviors, reflecting on why they exist and being intentional with what comes next.
What is something you’d like clients to know about you (or how you work)?
I am 100% client-centered and always meet clients where they are at. I am often kind, gentle, upbeat and positive, yet challenge and “push” clients when it may be needed in a clinically appropriate way. I incorporate humor when it makes sense, as well as partner with clients to find their way and meet their goals; I believe that clients know themselves best. I also believe that there is always something to learn from the clients who come through my door as well.
What does success in therapy look like to you?
Success looks different for each and every client. “Success” for me is about progress, no matter how big or small the growth is (I encourage celebration of all the successes). Although, it is important to keep in mind that the therapeutic process and success are not always linear. Success often happens when clients are able to apply things learned in sessions, outside of sessions. Some general examples of success in therapy may look like increased vulnerability, greater enjoyment in life, being able to express, sit with and cope with a wider range of emotions, learn and use coping skills inside and outside of sessions, decreased symptoms/intensity of symptoms and improved communication.
What are your thoughts about the “stigma” of therapy?
Destigmatizing the mental health stigma is something that I am very passionate about and is a stigma I will continue to fight. I wish that mental health and physical health were viewed and treated equally as important by all. Unfortunately, the world as a whole is not where I wish we would be in regards to mental health…yet. As a society, we have made leaps and bounds recognizing that physical and mental health are intertwined within each other, but there is still room for improvement. We go to the doctor to receive medical care without thinking much about it: hopefully eventually everyone will accept that going to therapy is a way to receive support for our mental health without hesitation as well. We are however noticing that a more diverse range and an increased number of folks are seeking out and enrolling in therapy, which is incredible! We can only hope the world around us continues to find the importance of mental health and place a high value on mental health treatment.
Populations:
Kids (6+), Tweens, Teens, Young Adults, Adults & Families
Treatment Modalities:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
- Compassion Focused Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Expressive Therapy
- Family Systems
- Holistic Therapy
- Integrative Therapy
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Narrative Therapy
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Strength-Based Therapy
- Trauma Informed Care
- Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Professional Specializations
- Anxiety
- Bullying
- Coping skills
- Cultivating Joy
- Depression
- Educators
- Emotional Regulation
- Grief and Loss
- Healers and Healthcare Workers
- Identity Building, Discovery and Loss
- Insomnia
- Integrative/Holistic Therapy
- Kink Friendly
- LGBTQIA2S+ and Questioning Folx
- Life Transitions
- Meditation
- Mind-Body Connection
- Mindfulness
- OCD
- Open, Polyamorous & Consensual Non-Monogamous Relationships
- Other Helping Professionals and Fellow Therapists
- Parenting
- Personal Empowerment
- Professionals and Entrepreneurs
- Relationships
- Self-Esteem
- Sexual Assault Survivors
- Social Skills
- Stress
- Trauma
- Type-A Personality
- Women’s Health & Postpartum
- Work/Life Balance
Lindsay Pietruck Bailey, LMSW
(she/her/hers)
Where she studied:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Family Studies
– Central Michigan University
Master of Social Work
– University of Michigan
What she does at Pietruck Therapy Services
Founder, Managing/Operations Director & Psychotherapist
Location:
Ann Arbor & Saline
Contact:
Meet Lindsay
A book that you think everyone should read:
“The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Believe it or not, a therapist 🙂
Other than mental health, what is something you’re passionate about?
Gardening! I grow flowers (Dahlia’s are my favorite), fruits and vegetables.
What is your favorite quote?
I live for quotes, so it is impossible for me to chose only one:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
“Be Here Now.” – Ram Dass
What do you do for self-care/self-love?
Self-love and self-care are both daily commitments. I love to travel. I love to take walks, garden and shop for indoor plants. I love to spend time with my family and thoroughly enjoy getting massages.
What is your favorite way to move your body?
I love going on walks with my dog, our office therapy dog, Waggs. I love doing yoga, particularly Yin Yoga, and enjoy working out by doing cardio and lifting weights.
Who is your ideal client?
It is hard for me to identify an “ideal” client persay, as I enjoy working with a diverse population of clients. I like to work with a wide range of ages, as well as presenting areas of growth. I do particularly really enjoy working with clients who are in “non-traditional” relationships, clients who identify as LGBTQIA+ and teenagers in general. I also enjoy working with clients who have experienced trauma and those who are going through life transitions. It is exceptionally fun to work with clients who are open-minded, who are willing to take risks in the therapeutic process and have a thirst for learning.
Why do you like being a therapist?
I like being a therapist because I love people and learning about their story; it’s the connection for me. I love partnering with clients to work toward their goals, particularly observing client growth and coming along for all of the in-between’s. I also enjoy holding space for folks and showing up for humans. I truly love this work!
What is something you wish people knew about therapy?
There is not a “right way” to do therapy because the process is whatever the client needs it to be. I wish people knew that it looks different for each and every person; it is not a one-size-fits-all approach and has a different meaning for everyone. Everyone can benefit from therapy, and seeing a therapist does not mean that something is “wrong” with you. Another thing? We cannot expect that therapy will take away all bad feelings forever, but we can expect that it does give us the space, time and skills to better equip ourselves. I also wish people knew that if therapy did not work for you one time in your life, it may look different at another time in your life and/or with a therapist who is a better fit. Lastly, sometimes therapy may feel like hard work, but other times, it may be relaxing, funny or celebratory.
Why/how can people benefit from therapy?
There are many benefits of therapy. Some may include but are not limited to: processing trauma, learning and practicing coping skills, having a safe space to share, reconnecting with yourself and/or others (or setting boundaries when needed), thinking and talking through your own thoughts and feelings, learning how to observe habits/patterns/behaviors, reflecting on why they exist and being intentional with what comes next.
What is something you’d like clients to know about you (or how you work)?
I am 100% client-centered and always meet clients where they are at. I am often kind, gentle, upbeat and positive, yet challenge and “push” clients when it may be needed in a clinically appropriate way. I incorporate humor when it makes sense, as well as partner with clients to find their way and meet their goals; I believe that clients know themselves best. I also believe that there is always something to learn from the clients who come through my door as well.
What does success in therapy look like to you?
Success looks different for each and every client. “Success” for me is about progress, no matter how big or small the growth is (I encourage celebration of all the successes). Although, it is important to keep in mind that the therapeutic process and success are not always linear. Success often happens when clients are able to apply things learned in sessions, outside of sessions. Some general examples of success in therapy may look like increased vulnerability, greater enjoyment in life, being able to express, sit with and cope with a wider range of emotions, learn and use coping skills inside and outside of sessions, decreased symptoms/intensity of symptoms and improved communication.
What are your thoughts about the “stigma” of therapy?
Destigmatizing the mental health stigma is something that I am very passionate about and is a stigma I will continue to fight. I wish that mental health and physical health were viewed and treated equally as important by all. Unfortunately, the world as a whole is not where I wish we would be in regards to mental health…yet. As a society, we have made leaps and bounds recognizing that physical and mental health are intertwined within each other, but there is still room for improvement. We go to the doctor to receive medical care without thinking much about it: hopefully eventually everyone will accept that going to therapy is a way to receive support for our mental health without hesitation as well. We are however noticing that a more diverse range and an increased number of folks are seeking out and enrolling in therapy, which is incredible! We can only hope the world around us continues to find the importance of mental health and place a high value on mental health treatment.
Populations:
Kids (6+), Tweens, Teens, Young Adults, Adults & Families
Treatment Modalities:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
- Compassion Focused Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Expressive Therapy
- Family Systems
- Holistic Therapy
- Integrative Therapy
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Narrative Therapy
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Strength-Based Therapy
- Trauma Informed Care
- Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Professional Specializations
- Anxiety
Bullying
Coping skills
Cultivating Joy
Depression
Educators
Emotional Regulation
Grief and Loss
Healers and Healthcare Workers
Identity Building, Discovery and Loss
Insomnia
Integrative/Holistic Therapy
Kink Friendly
LGBTQIA2S+ and Questioning Folx
Life Transitions
Meditation
Mind-Body Connection
Mindfulness
OCD
Open, Polyamorous & Consensual Non-Monogamous Relationships
Other Helping Professionals and Fellow Therapists
Parenting
Personal Empowerment
Professionals and Entrepreneurs
Relationships
Self-Esteem
Sexual Assault Survivors
Social Skills
Stress
Trauma
Type-A Personality
Women’s Health & Postpartum
Work/Life Balance
Background
Lindsay has practiced psychotherapy in several different settings, working with diverse populations and ages across the lifespan. Lindsay has clinical training working with seriously mentally ill adults, working as an elementary school social worker, and working independently with children on the autism spectrum. She also has extensive experience working with youth and families engaged in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Lindsay has also been involved in developing the next generation of social workers, as she has contributed as an Intermittent Leo Lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Social Work and has supervised limited-license social workers.
