Ann Anderson, LMFT #132246

My psychotherapeutic approach enables individuals to gain an understanding of themselves in order to make specific changes. Using a collaborative, non-pathologizing, accepting approach I have worked with a variety of clients and watched their profound changes lead them to a fuller and richer life. I know first-hand the impact that psychotherapy can bring into one’s life and I am dedicated to assisting others along this path. You have probably tried everything up until now. Working with me you will not be judged your story will not be disputed, instead, you will develop trust and envision clarity for yourself.

My name is Ann Anderson I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree from Antioch University, Los Angeles. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #132246) and under the supervision of Hong Jeong. Educated as both a Psychotherapist and a Registered Nurse gives my approach a unique mind-body, somatic perspective, informing my specialized work with complex trauma.

Aside from being medically well-informed, I am trained in Humanistic therapy, and also the use of “parts-work'' such as Internal Family Systems, Dream Work, and Gestalt. I am also certified in NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), Voice Dialogue, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Mindfulness Self-Compassion, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. You can expect our work together will look at the parts of yourself making up the whole but also quarry deep to the heart of the matter, understanding what blocks us from our peace of mind, self-love, and the life we desire.

Trauma:

Often, we imagine trauma as military combat, mass shootings, or natural disasters. There are also traumatic events often of an invasive interpersonal nature such as abuse (sexual, physical, emotional), bullying, child neglect, medical trauma, and the well-documented Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s). Although symptoms of trauma or PTSD usually begin within 3 months of trauma in adulthood, there can be a delay of several years. In my experience, unresolved trauma can often be at the root of anxiety, depression, or addiction. Symptoms can include exhaustion, nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive memories, sadness, confusion, agitation, sleep issues, fear of recurrence, avoidance behaviors, trouble concentrating. Also, feelings of shame, guilt, anger, fear, blame, self-hatred, and difficulty with tolerating emotions or regulating oneself. I specialize in treating trauma and PTSD, to reduce symptoms, process emotions, and enhance regulation and distress tolerance especially those with ACEs.

Depression:

It can feel like you are pedaling but not moving along, with symptoms of hopelessness, helplessness, mood swings, and even thoughts of suicide. Depression can take away our vibrant energy, drain us of interests, lead to social isolation, and change our eating or sleeping habits. Successfully treating others I know there is hope.

Anxiety:

Some anxiety can be normal but intense, excessive, persistent worry, and fear of everyday situations which can lead to repeated sudden episodes and include physical sensations such as a racing heart. It can include feeling nervous, impending doom or panic, breathing rapidly, sweating, trembling, feeling weak, trouble sleeping, stomach issues, difficulty controlling worry, or fear. If the fear, worry, or anxiety is upsetting you, interfering with your life, and difficult to control, it may not go away on its own and it’s time to get help. We will target the specifics and discover the root causes. symptoms of hopelessness, helplessness, mood swings, and even thoughts of suicide. Depression can take away our vibrant energy, drain us of interests, lead to social isolation, and change our eating or sleeping habits. Successfully treating others I know there is hope.

Life transitions:

Change comes in many forms such as starting or ending a relationship, divorce/breakup, adoption/birth, health issues, parenting, a new job or retirement, relocation, etc. We will rewrite your story through this significant transition.

Grief and loss:

At some point, we will all assuredly endure loss. Grief, the naturally occurring response to loss can be hard for our friends to help us with, yet escaping it can cause more distress and include a mix of anger, guilt, blame, or regret. Together we can build trust to discover concrete ways of easing the process to get back living.

THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES

Mindfulness- Our mind can race around from one idea to another habitually without much focus. With the wealth of new research from this age-old practice, specific skills, and compassionate acceptance, I will teach you various ways to calm your mind to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model)-This model innovatively encourages the use of mindful inquiry working in the present moment and self-agency to allow deeper awareness to emerge. This process is meant to assess our unique self, gain clarity on mistaken beliefs, repair, alleviate what is causing us pain, and develop a deeper reconnection to ourselves and others. This model is especially supportive for those who have endured complex trauma.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)/Voice Dialogue- Our true self has the capacity and maturity to integrate our wounded parts. Especially when adults who are highly attuned to their emotions and needs of others and yet find it difficult to acknowledge their own emotions, wants, needs, preferences, and desires, these types of individuals tend to treat themselves with less regard, their younger parts with negative self-judgment or blame. Using “parts-work” psychology can quickly create change from the inside out.

Let’s face it, we deserve nurturing relationships, ownership of our worthiness, and a chance to live a fulfilled life. Knowing what happened to us in our past is important and necessary but I don't believe it resulted in something wrong or broken within us. I believe radical acceptance and self-awareness empower us, lead to a meaningful life and sometimes the smallest steps in the right direction end up being the biggest step of your life. If this resonates with you then you are in the right place. Give me a call or text and let's get started.

I provide individual therapy sessions for 50 minutes/ $150 per session. Feel free to contact me for a free 20-minute consultation. I am looking forward to working with you, please contact me with any questions. Thank you!