Therapy with Annelise

Calmly direct therapy for teens and adults

Get to know me

My style is open, direct, and relaxed. I take a collaborative and integrative approach with clients and I regularly ask for client feedback on how they feel the therapeutic process is going. Therapy is meant to be a tool to aid in your journey and I will do my best to incorporate the techniques that are most helpful to you. My previous clients have described me as thoughtful, present, compassionate, and curious.

When I'm not working with clients, I can be found tending my vegetable garden or taking my kids on a hike.

Who I work with

Teens and Young Adults

New Parents

Men

Grieving Individuals

Individual Therapy

If we might be a good fit reach out!

Licensed requirements for a Marriage and Family Therapist include 3000 hours of supervised clinical training, passing two California State board exams by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), a background check by the State of California Department of Justice. Licensure includes being held legally and ethically responsible by the BBS for maintaining a strict code of ethics in the field of psychotherapy, abiding by the laws of the State of California, and obtaining continuing education credits for each license renewal to support professional development.

Background

I have a Master's degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, East Bay 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, I have accepted a position on BAPTI's board of directors.

My therapeutic orientation is relational, strength-based, and solution-focused. I also utilize strategic therapy, narrative therapy, and transpersonal therapy. I believe that a spiritual framework is essential to understanding and guiding my clients on their journey of meaning-making. This can include religious practice, worldview, or observations about the human experience.