Annelise Miller, MS, LMFT
3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd.Suite B200,
Lafayette, CA 94549​
Therapy with Annelise
Calmly direct therapy for Men, Grief and Anxiety
Serving Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek and Surrounding Areas
since 2017
Evidenced-Based Therapy that Creates Lasting Change
Get to know me
I specialize in helping men overcome emotional avoidance that's damaging their relationships with partners, family, and friends, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to guide them toward authentic emotional expression. Through values clarification work, my clients discover clear paths forward and naturally develop meaningful goals that strengthen their most important connections.
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I help teens and adults break free from anxiety that's limiting their relationships, work, and daily life. I teach you to move through fear rather than avoid it. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, intrusive thoughts, eating-related anxiety, or overwhelming worry, we'll work together to develop practical tools and gradually build confidence in a safe, supported way. You don't have to let anxiety make decisions for you - there's a path to feeling confident and at peace in your own life.
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I provide a judgment-free space for grief that doesn't fit the "normal" expectations - whether you're feeling relief, anger, numbness, or guilt instead of sadness, or dealing with losses involving addiction, suicide, or other complicated circumstances. Your grief is valid exactly as it is, and healing happens when you can be honest about your reality without worrying about making others uncomfortable. Together, we'll honor your unique experience and find ways to carry your grief while still engaging fully with life.
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My style is open, direct, and relaxed. I try to make sure my clients have tangible things they can take with them from our time together. My previous clients have described me as thoughtful, present, compassionate, and curious. I integrate several evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Strategic Therapy, and Humanistic Therapy. This combination allows me to tailor our work to your unique needs - helping you embrace your thoughts and feelings rather than fight them, while developing practical strategies for meaningful change. I bring a nurturing, empathetic approach that offers fresh insights and creates a supportive space for you to explore your challenges.​
My background
I earned a Master's degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, East Bay in 2018 and a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from Westmont College. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #131881.
Prior to starting my practice at Bay Area Psychotherapy Institute in Lafayette, I worked at Crisis Support Services of Alameda County for three years. There I counseled clients managing traumatic grief and loss, suicidal ideation, depression, and intrusive thoughts. I also helped clients develop boundaries, healthy social connections, and spirituality. I have worked with children and adolescents from elementary school to high school as well as adults in all stages of life. I also provided crisis counseling for the Alameda county Crisis Hotline and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Since licensure in 2022, I have served BAPTI's board of directors.
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We might be a good fit if you desire to:
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Move through major life transitions like parenthood, retirement, or divorce with greater clarity and self-compassion
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Navigate the overwhelming feelings of social anxiety and learn to feel more comfortable and authentic in social settings
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Transform your relationship with difficult emotions by accepting rather than fighting them, as guided by ACT principles
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Discover practical strategies that align with your core values and lead to meaningful change
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Find your authentic voice when feeling stuck or disconnected from what truly matters to you
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Create a more flexible relationship with your thoughts and develop resilience in the face of life's challenges
Many clients have out-of-network coverage and don't realize it!
If your insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits, it means they will cover a portion of the cost when you see a therapist who doesn't have a direct contract with your insurance company. Unlike in-network providers, who bill your insurance company directly, with out-of-network therapists, you typically pay for the session upfront and then submit a claim to your insurance for reimbursement. Insurance companies often reimburse a percentage of the therapist's fee, usually after you meet an out-of-network deductible. For example, after you meet a $1,000 deductible, your insurance may reimburse 50-80% of the session cost. Out-of-network benefits give you the flexibility to choose a therapist based on your needs and preferences, not just those in-network.