
Annelise Miller, MS, LMFT
Calmly Direct Therapy
for Men, Grief and Anxiety
SF Bay Area and Online in CA
​Therapywithannelise@gmail.com
(925) 255-5350
How I can help you!
Anxiety & Connection
Constantly on edge? Second-guessing everything? Avoiding situations that used to feel manageable? If this sounds familiar, you may dealing with anxiety - and you don't have to stay stuck here.
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I work with teens and adults who are tired of anxiety and depression calling the shots. You might feel like you're constantly walking on eggshells, shutting down during conflict, or struggling to connect even when you genuinely want to. Maybe you find yourself reacting with anger when other emotions feel too overwhelming or unsafe to express. Perhaps you've been told you're "distant" or that you don't open up enough, but it feels safer to keep things surface-level or let one emotion (often anger) be the only one that feels familiar or acceptable.
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When disconnection becomes chronic, it can lead to serious consequences - turning to substances to numb out, crossing lines in your relationship that you never thought you would, or reaching a point where you're not sure you want to keep going. If you're struggling with substance use, infidelity, or thoughts of suicide, these aren't signs that you're broken - they're signs that the pain of disconnection has become unbearable and you've been trying to cope the only ways that felt available.
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Whether you shut down or blow up, whether you're dealing with the aftermath of choices you regret or battling thoughts that scare you, you don't have to face this alone. Together, we'll work on showing up authentically - recognizing the full range of what you're feeling and expressing it in ways that build connection rather than pushing people away. We'll address what's happening now while building the emotional skills that help you handle life's hardest moments without losing yourself in the process.
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Grief Work
I provide a judgment-free space for grief that doesn't fit the "normal" expectations. Whether you're grieving a relationship that ended badly, a loss involving addiction or suicide, or you're feeling relief, anger, numbness, or guilt when you "should" feel sad - your grief is valid exactly as it is.
Healing happens when you can be honest about your reality without worrying about making others uncomfortable. Together, we'll honor your unique experience and find ways to carry your grief while still engaging fully with life.
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My Approach
My style is straightforward and real - no therapy-speak, no judgment. I want you to walk away from each session with something concrete you can actually use. I blend proven approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Strategic Therapy, and Humanistic methods to meet you exactly where you are.
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This means we're not just talking about your problems - we're actively working on them. You'll learn to stop fighting what you're feeling and start learning what it's telling you, while building real skills that work in your daily life. My previous clients have described me as thoughtful, present, and genuinely curious about understanding their world.
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I know that picking up the phone or sending that first email can feel overwhelming. Maybe you've been thinking about therapy for months, or someone in your life suggested you reach out. Whatever brought you here, I'm glad you're considering taking this step. Let's start with a free 15-minute conversation to see if we click - no pressure, just a chance to talk about what you're going through and how I might be able to help.
Evidenced-Based Therapy that Creates Lasting Change

​Therapywithannelise@gmail.com
(925) 255-5350
3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd.Suite B200,
Lafayette, CA 94549​
Telehealth available for all of California
Book a consultation call or initial appointment directly on my calendar
Serving Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek and Surrounding Areas
since 2018
We might be a good fit if you desire to:
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Move through major life transitions like parenthood, retirement, or divorce with greater clarity and self-compassion
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Navigate the overwhelming feelings of social anxiety and learn to feel more comfortable and authentic in social settings
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Transform your relationship with difficult emotions by accepting rather than fighting them, as guided by ACT principles
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Discover practical strategies that align with your core values and lead to meaningful change
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Find your authentic voice when feeling stuck or disconnected from what truly matters to you
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Create a more flexible relationship with your thoughts and develop resilience in the face of life's challenges
My background
I earned a Master's degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, East Bay in 2018 and a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from Westmont College. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #131881.
Prior to starting my practice at Bay Area Psychotherapy Institute in Lafayette, I worked at Crisis Support Services of Alameda County for three years. There, I counseled clients managing traumatic grief and loss, suicidal ideation, depression, and intrusive thoughts. I also helped clients develop boundaries, healthy social connections, and spirituality. I have worked with children and teens from elementary school to high school as well as adults in all stages of life. I also provided crisis counseling for the Alameda County Crisis Hotline and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Since licensure in 2022, I have served BAPTI's board of directors.
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