Anna Bankey
I believe you deserve a therapist who sees the whole person—not just a diagnosis or a list of symptoms. Therapy with me isn’t about simply talking about what’s wrong—it’s about understanding why things are happening and learning what you can do differently moving forward. We talk about the now and get your moving forward!
First session
Your first session includes completing a comprehensive intake and talking about what brings you to therapy, what you’re experiencing, and what you hope to accomplish. If you’ve already researched me or heard about my approach, you know I’m a compassionate therapist who creates a safe, supportive space while also holding you accountable for the changes you want to make. I believe therapy should be meaningful, practical, and results-focused.
Strengths
I bring acceptance, authenticity, clinical experience, and a genuine belief in each person’s ability to heal and grow. I’m compassionate without being passive—I listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, challenge patterns when needed, and help turn insight into practical change. I work with clients typically from age 12 through older adulthood. My approach integrates EMDR, somatic therapy, neuroscience-informed care, mindfulness, CBT, and strengths-based therapy. I consider the whole person—including your history, nervous system, relationships, strengths, environment, and unique way of experiencing the world. Whether we meet in person at my Brainerd office or through telehealth, therapy is collaborative and individualized. I want you to feel respected, understood, empowered, and supported while also having a therapist who will help you make meaningful, lasting changes—not simply talk about your problems.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are teens and adults who are ready to better understand themselves, heal from past experiences, and make meaningful changes. I work well with clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, life transitions, or relationship challenges who want practical tools, deeper insight, and a therapist who is compassionate, direct, and genuinely engaged in their progress. My approach is compassionate, direct, and results-focused. Together, we’ll build insight, practical skills, and meaningful change while creating a safe space where you can heal, grow, and move forward.
Treatment methods
EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)** is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process traumatic or distressing experiences that may continue to affect emotions, thoughts, or body responses. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, alternating sounds, or tapping, while processing memories or current concerns. It can be used for trauma, anxiety, grief, negative beliefs, and other distressing experiences. EMDR is available in person in the Brainerd, Minnesota area or through secure Minnesota telehealth when clinically appropriate.
Somatic
Somatic Therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body. It helps clients notice and understand how stress, trauma, emotions, and experiences may show up physically, while learning skills to regulate the nervous system and feel more grounded. Techniques may include breathing, body awareness, movement, grounding, and other body-based interventions. Somatic therapy may be provided in person in the Brainerd, Minnesota area or through secure Minnesota telehealth when clinically appropriate.
Brainspotting
**Brainspotting** is a non-invasive focused, body-based therapy that helps clients process trauma, stress, and difficult emotions by using specific points in the visual field connected to internal experiences. With therapist guidance, clients notice thoughts, emotions, and body sensations while maintaining a focused gaze. Brainspotting can help reduce emotional distress and support deeper processing. It may be provided in person in the Brainerd, Minnesota area or through secure Minnesota telehealth when clinically appropriate.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Humanistic Therapy focuses on the whole person, including emotions, values, strengths, relationships, and personal experiences. It emphasizes self-awareness, authenticity, personal growth, and the belief that people have the capacity to heal and create meaningful change in their lives. Therapy is collaborative, supportive, and centered on the client's individual goals and experiences.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic Therapy explores how past experiences, relationships, emotions, and unconscious patterns may influence current thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. Therapy helps clients develop greater self-awareness, understand recurring patterns, process unresolved experiences, and build healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. I also specialize in: Brainspotting Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) Cognitive Processing (CPT) Compassion Focused Couples Counseling Culturally Sensitive Therapy EMDR Eclectic Experiential Therapy Grief Therapy Group Therapy Hypnotherapy Integrative Interpersonal Mind-body approach Mindfulness-Based Therapy Motivational Interviewing Polyvagal Therapy Psychodynamic Relational Solution Focused Brief Treatment Supportive Transpersonal *** Please IGNORE the *Doesn't specialize in* section below as it is not accurate. *** Thank you!
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions517 NW 4th St, Brainerd, MN 56401, Lower Level Suite 113
Identifies as
Top specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- MinnesotaLicense 30807