Five Questions with Lindsey Bates, CMHC
What drew you to becoming a therapist, and what led you to specialize in the areas you work with today?
After working as a public school teacher in secondary education for many years, I saw firsthand how many young people struggled with self-doubt, negative self-talk, and anxiety. These experiences inspired me to shift my career from education to therapy, where I could support individuals more directly in developing emotional awareness, self-understanding, and meaningful coping skills. My own experiences navigating motherhood has deepened my understanding of the importance of caregiver well-being.
How would you describe your therapeutic approach or style, and what can a new client expect from a session with you?
My therapeutic style is a mix of skills-focused strategies with exploration of values, emotional processing, and parts work. I believe therapy should be purposeful, with space to understand where you are while also developing skills to help you progress forward. When working with children and families, I enjoy incorporating creative approaches such as art, storytelling, and play when helpful. While it is not the central focus of the session, these methods can provide another way for children to communicate, explore emotions, and develop greater self-understanding.
What's something you wish more people understood about therapy or mental health?
Therapy does not have to feel like a rudderless ship. I believe clients deserve a therapeutic process that has direction. Your time and energy are valuable, and therapy should help you develop greater understanding and tools in ways that are observable in your life.
Outside of your work, what do you enjoy doing, or what are you passionate about?
At this stage of life, some of my greatest joys are spending quality time with my children and spouse, exploring local walking trails, and enjoying the natural beauty of New England. I am also passionate about supporting our local library, reading and storytelling, and finding creative outlets through watercolor painting and card-making. My happy places are Bar Harbor, Maine and the Jersey Shore in the summer.
What's a piece of advice or a mindset that's stuck with you, professionally or personally, that you find yourself coming back to?
How do I reflect what is meaningful to me in the world?
This question continues to bring me back to the importance of making choices that are connected to my values both personally and professionally.
