Annie Poage, MA

I didn’t take the straightforward path to become a therapist — and I think that’s made me a better one.

Between my bachelor's and master's degrees, I spent ten years living life: navigating transitions, facing hard seasons, and figuring out who I was and what I wanted. Those years gave me something a textbook couldn't — a genuine understanding of what it feels like to be stuck, uncertain, or in the middle of something difficult with no clear way through. That experience shapes how I show up in the therapy room. I'm not here to hand you a roadmap or tell you what healing should look like. I'm here to sit with you in it — with honesty, warmth, and a deep respect for how much courage this work takes.

I became a therapist because I wanted to create a space where people could show up as they are, messy, human, and in progress, and know that it's enough. I believe that sharing our stories, vulnerabilities, and triumphs can be a powerful catalyst for healing. My goal is to make therapy feel approachable and grounded, helping you explore your own path toward healing without the pressure to have it all figured out.

At the heart of my work is the belief that everyone has the capacity to heal and grow when given the right tools, space, and support. In our sessions, you're not a passive recipient of advice; you're an active participant in your own healing. Your values, goals, and voice are always central to the process.

Speaking of partnership, it's a two-way street. So, let me share a bit about myself!

In 2022, I founded Wild Blue Counseling, PLLC as a space for honesty, compassion, and growth. What began as a solo practice has now expanded to include a team of like-minded therapists who share that same vision. Together, we offer a range of counseling services for adults, teens, kids, and couples through both in-person in Amarillo, Texas, and virtually across Texas, Colorado & Missouri.

Outside the office, I'm most myself when I'm traveling or spending time with my husband, our two sons, and our dogs, Henry and Jules. Jules occasionally trades her couch time for a shift in the office, offering a little extra emotional support. Whether we're near the water, exploring somewhere new, or simply relaxing at home, I'm reminded that healing doesn't just happen in session; it's something we build, moment by moment, in the lives we're already living.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University and a master's degree in counseling from West Texas A&M University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Texas (License # 89618), Colorado (License #LPC.0022349), and Missouri (License #2025050593).

I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a specialized approach for treating trauma and distressing life experiences, and hold a certificate in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, allowing me to draw from evidence-based approaches tailored to each client’s needs.

I’m a member of the American Counseling Association, the Texas Counseling Association, and the Societies for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE), and I stay committed to ongoing professional growth and ethical practice.