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About Annette
 Experience: I have been working in the mental health field for 15 years in a variety of different settings. My clinical experience in psychiatric hospitals, community counseling centers, child and adolescent facilities and private practice settings contributes to my depth of understanding in treating a wide array of complex problems that people of all ages can face in daily life. I also have considerable training and experience in understanding cultural issues of race, class, gender, sexuality and power differentials and how these issues can influence people's lives. Practice Theories: One of the theories I use is psychodynamic psychotherapy, which is exploring your childhood experiences to gain insight and understanding into the person you are today. As I learn about you, I can help you make connections from your past to present feelings and behaviors and begin to heal painful issues. However, this is not always appropriate for all people and problem areas, therefore in some instances we will focus specifically on here and now experiences. For this type of work, one of the theories I use is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is based on the idea that your thoughts and underlying beliefs about yourself significantly influence how you feel and ultimately lead you to act or behave in certain ways. Here is a simplified example of CBT: Let's say you are faced with a situation that didn't go well and in response to how you handled the situation you have a negative thought of "I'm worthless, I can't do anything right." This thought will likely make you feel a variety of upsetting feelings possibly including sadness, anger, anxiety, disappointment, etc. Due to feeling badly, you may do something self-defeating like drinking/drugs, withdrawal, excessive eating, conflict, etc. As I begin to know you, I will be able to point out destructive thoughts and patterns, while teaching you how to stop this negative cycle through a variety of alternative techniques. This may include reading materials and homework depending on your situation and your preferences. Soon after you begin therapy with me, you will begin to be more aware of your patterns and make changes on your own. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been thoroughly researched and has been clinically proven to be very effective in helping people manage depression, anxiety, grief and traumatic experiences. Approach: My style is warm, compassionate, collaborative, interactive and solution focused. I create a safe atmosphere without judgment, in which you are valued and respected. I am also very honest about pointing out the role you may be playing in creating or mainiting difficulties in your life. This is often difficult for people to hear, however clients are extremely grateful to have the increased insight into personal dynamics they never realized before. I hold the belief that every person is capable of positive change and has the ability to move through emotional pain. I can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and learn new coping strategies to deal with painful, difficult or confusing issues. Professional Organizations: • American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) • National Alliance for the Mental Ill (NAMI) • San Francisco Alliance for the Mentally Ill • Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) • Psychiatric Occupational Therapy Action Coalition (POTAC) |