About Me

“The boat is safer anchored to the port; but that’s not the aim of boats.”-Paulo Coelho Therapy and life are closely related. Both are about taking risks and discovery. My goal is to lead you in this journey. I strive to constantly learn and develop myself so that I can bring that knowledge and experience into my professional practice and personal life. Balance, community, health, family, and growth are important to me and I strive to make those a priority. I am dedicated to utilizing traditional, along with holistic health approaches to help you lead your best life. -Annette ** Annette, a lifelong resident of Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a graduate of NMSU, a mother, a proud social worker, and small business owner. She is an avid reader and loves audio books. She constantly seeks to learn about how we can become our best selves so that she can deliver the information and provide guidance to others. Her hobbies are reading about personal development and health, exercising, and learning about therapy techniques. Annette is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and has been a practicing social worker for more than 10 years in the Las Cruces area beginning as coordinator for treatment foster care. She has experience working in inpatient psychiatric setting, along with outpatient settings. She has directed a successful outpatient substance abuse and mental health program, along with an inpatient clinical department at a psychiatric hospital. Annette’s training has been in Rational Living Therapy (RLT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mental Health Integrative Medicine (CMHIMP). RLT is a form of cognitive behavior therapy with approaches from rational behavior therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and cognitive therapy. It is a motivational therapy that helps lead individuals toward positive change. Rational Living Therapy focuses most on changing the way you think so that you can make immediate changes in how you live. The use of natural remedies and supplements is supported in RLT and in Mental Health Integrative Medicine. She has training and certified to use Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) which is a popular and effective treatment for trauma. She integrates her beginning training in Somatic Experiencing in trauma work in recognition of the body and mind connection. As a CMHIMP, Annette is trained to use nutrition, culinary, and herbal remedies to assist in the treatment of mental health conditions. In addition, she has a License in Alcohol and Drug Counseling and several years of experience working with individuals and families struggling with addiction. As people grow, their needs change. Annette has the experience to meet you where you are. “Overall, I believe in starting where you are. I will walk with you in your journey through recovery to become the best version of yourself.”