McLaws Circle & Online
Annie has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology as well as a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She is currently working towards her LCSW and has over 23 years of direct patient care in the field of mental health. She has worked with a variety of populations to include those diagnosed with a serious mental illness, families, adolescents, crisis intervention, and substance abuse. Annie specializes in assisting others during times of crisis, offering ways to combat even the small daily stressors that can cause discomfort and dysregulation.
Annie believes that although it is important to know and understand the fundamentals of counseling techniques, sometimes the most important part of therapy is simply being present and making a connection.
Seeking therapy takes courage and can be a difficult thing to do, especially during our most vulnerable moments therefore Annie demonstrates compassion, kindness, and empathy without judgement. Annie is passionate about empowering others and helping them as they move through this journey called life. Born and raised in California, Annie has endured her own unique life experiences and understands that life is not always fair, easy, or predictable. However, she believes that embracing challenges allows us ample opportunities to grow, learn, and adjust to the changes that come our way. If you feel alone, inadequate, or unable to do things on our own, Annie can lend you some of her hope that you may be missing.
Annie has a unique gift for providing crisis counseling and using a trauma-informed approach. This creates an understanding that behaviors and experiences are in the context of coping during times of adversity and overwhelming circumstances. You may be simply having a perfectly “normal” reaction to an outrageous situation. Annie seeks to foster an environment and a therapeutic relationship in which people feel safe in order to promote their recovery. Most important is that people feel heard, understood, and empowered to do something different. Annie believes that the therapy must be a good fit for the client and therefore uses a toolbox of techniques to ensure that treatment is built on the patients’ strengths and experiences.
Additionally, her holistic approach allows further opportunities for growth and change outside of traditional therapy by seeking to determine how physical health, diet, exercise, environment, and community can contribute to overall wellness.
Specialties: Severe mental illness, substance abuse, crisis intervention, short-term and solution-focused therapy, trauma CCTP (certified clinical trauma counselor), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Annie believes that although it is important to know and understand the fundamentals of counseling techniques, sometimes the most important part of therapy is simply being present and making a connection.
Seeking therapy takes courage and can be a difficult thing to do, especially during our most vulnerable moments therefore Annie demonstrates compassion, kindness, and empathy without judgement. Annie is passionate about empowering others and helping them as they move through this journey called life. Born and raised in California, Annie has endured her own unique life experiences and understands that life is not always fair, easy, or predictable. However, she believes that embracing challenges allows us ample opportunities to grow, learn, and adjust to the changes that come our way. If you feel alone, inadequate, or unable to do things on our own, Annie can lend you some of her hope that you may be missing.
Annie has a unique gift for providing crisis counseling and using a trauma-informed approach. This creates an understanding that behaviors and experiences are in the context of coping during times of adversity and overwhelming circumstances. You may be simply having a perfectly “normal” reaction to an outrageous situation. Annie seeks to foster an environment and a therapeutic relationship in which people feel safe in order to promote their recovery. Most important is that people feel heard, understood, and empowered to do something different. Annie believes that the therapy must be a good fit for the client and therefore uses a toolbox of techniques to ensure that treatment is built on the patients’ strengths and experiences.
Additionally, her holistic approach allows further opportunities for growth and change outside of traditional therapy by seeking to determine how physical health, diet, exercise, environment, and community can contribute to overall wellness.
Specialties: Severe mental illness, substance abuse, crisis intervention, short-term and solution-focused therapy, trauma CCTP (certified clinical trauma counselor), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Shelby
Shelby is a 5-year-old German Shepard who is loving, loyal, and happy. She is a Certified through the American Society of Canine Trainers International as a Therapy Dog. She can be very vocal and often announces her excitement of arriving to work before she even enters the building. She displays good manners and often greets people as they come in and walks people to the door as they leave.
Shelby is also willing to work for treats and will gladly allow others to demonstrate their affection towards her (aka lots of petting). She is a welcome addition to the ALP group and is excited to be working with Annie in the McLaws office!
Shelby is also willing to work for treats and will gladly allow others to demonstrate their affection towards her (aka lots of petting). She is a welcome addition to the ALP group and is excited to be working with Annie in the McLaws office!