Annie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in a variety of settings since graduating with her Masters in Social Work in 2002. As a School Social Worker for more than 13 years, she provided therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and families who were experiencing significant life stressors including violence in the home, bullying, and relationship difficulties. She also facilitated groups such as Think First, Anger Coping, and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS).
In December 2015, Annie completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training course in India. She also completed Level 1 certification of the Yoga to Transform Trauma program. From March 2016 to March 2019, Annie provided in-home counseling services to primarily older adults who were grieving and adjusting to health challenges and other significant life changes. In October 2018, Annie completed a 3-Day Certificate Course: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): Evidence-based Insomnia Interventions for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Pain, TBI, Sleep Apnea and Nightmares.
Annie’s approach is client-centered, compassionate and considerate of cultural, systemic, and environmental factors. She utilizes therapeutic techniques such as motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients in session. Annie has received extensive training in David Burns’ well-researched model of cognitive behavioral therapy and is a Level 1 T.E.A.M. therapist. T.E.A.M. is an acronym that stands for the following essential components of therapy: Testing-Empathy-Agenda Setting, and Methods. As a mode of measuring progress toward goals, Annie values verbal and written feedback from clients.
“I believe that clients are the experts in their own lives and my role as the therapist is that of a guide and fellow collaborator, helping to knock down barriers to change. I place utmost importance on the therapeutic relationship and the client’s goals for therapy. I accept clients where they are and strive to help them accept themselves and their life circumstances. From a place of acceptance, clients are empowered to make changes that will increase quality of life.“
