Individual Therapy (CA)

Our past can compromise our ability to connect with others and consistently calm our bodies so that we can face the world as our best selves.

Annie Chen (CA LMFT #80025) provides therapy to individuals in a style that is direct but gentle.

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Who I Work With

The clients I look forward to working with are clear in their desire for healthier, more fulfilling relationships and are ready to take actionable steps towards these goals. My skillset is fine-tuned to help you if you are looking to overcome avoidance, discover your body’s ability to calm and guide you, or become more effective in your communication with others. If you’re familiar with my work and resonate with my approach, I’d be delighted to explore how we can journey together towards your goals.

Spaces are limited as I dedicate myself to providing personalized, in-depth support. If you’re ready to make meaningful changes in your life and relationships, book a consultation today.

Your Therapy Journey

Step 1 — Book a consultation call

Begin your journey with a personalized consultation call. This is our opportunity to understand your unique aspirations and challenges, ensuring that my approach aligns well with what you seek to accomplish. It's the first step towards a partnership aimed at transformative growth.

Step 2 — Schedule a first session

Once we jointly identify a path forward, we’ll schedule your initial session. The first session lays the groundwork for our partnership in your therapeutic journey. Together, we'll explore your unique challenges and establish clear intentions to address these challenges. My goal is to create a supportive and safe space where you feel heard and understood, enabling us to set and pursue meaningful objectives from the very beginning.

Step 3 — Meet weekly

In our weekly sessions, we’ll dive deep into the heart of your relationship dynamics, uncovering growth opportunities and tackling challenges head-on. With a blend of tools, exercises, and insightful feedback, I’ll guide you step by step towards effective and lasting change. Our journey together is paced at your rhythm, focused on achieving the milestones you've set out for.

Step 4 — Celebrate milestones

Along our journey, we’ll take moments to celebrate your progress and victories—big and small. Achieving your therapy goals isn’t just about the destination; it’s about recognizing the growth throughout the process. Once you’ve reached your objectives, we’ll decide on a plan together to graduate you out of therapy, ensuring that you are equipped with the tools and confidence to maintain your gains and build on them.

FAQs

  • My practice is grounded in advanced training across several therapeutic approaches, focusing on attachment, nervous system regulation, and trauma recovery. Techniques I employ include the Psychological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT), Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, Brainspotting, and Neuroaffective Touch, among others. Each of these methods offers unique benefits, from deepening emotional connections to healing trauma through body awareness.

    I integrate the latest insights from neuroscience with proven relationship strategies designed to align with your personal goals and challenges. This customized approach ensures that you not only understand the patterns influencing your relationships but also have the tools and support to initiate sustainable change.

  • I charge $300 for 50-minute sessions.

  • I offer flexible session formats to meet your needs and preferences. Virtual sessions are available for convenience and accessibility, ensuring you can receive support regardless of your location. For those who reside nearby, in-person sessions can be arranged at my Berkeley, CA office.

  • Coaching is designed for individuals looking to achieve specific goals, improve personal performance, or enhance aspects of their lives and relationships. While it may explore similar themes to therapy, coaching is action-oriented and focuses on fostering growth, development, and achieving potential without the necessity of a medical diagnosis.

    On the other hand, therapy involves diagnosing and treating people with mental health conditions under a medical model. Therapy under the care of a licensed mental health professional is appropriate if you are experiencing symptoms like depression and anxiety in ways that have a significant impact on your everyday life.

  • Federal law requires therapists to post the following notice:

    You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

    You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

    Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

    If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

    Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

    ​For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.

“Join me on this journey towards a more connected and compassionate world, where understanding our bodies and minds unlocks a life of fulfillment and joy. Together, we can discover how to live—not just survive, but thrive in safety and be seen by those we hold dear.”

Annie Chen, LMFT