- Relational healing
- Trauma-aware care
- English and Spanish
About Annette
Annette Rios-Barrera is a licensed clinical social worker based in Texas with 23 years of experience. She uses a relational, trauma-aware approach to help people facing anxiety, depression, grief, identity questions, and relational strain. Annette identifies as she/her and offers therapy in English and Spanish.
She focuses on practical steps that match each person's goals and values. Sessions aim to rebuild trust, increase self-awareness, and strengthen emotional regulation. Annette blends mindfulness, gentle humor, and grounded exercises so work in therapy feels doable.
Many people come for help with relationship stress, intimacy-related issues, navigating LGBT identity, and coping with life transitions. She also supports concerns such as career stress, caregiver strain, body image, chronic illness, and attachment or abandonment wounds. Annette approaches these topics with attention to each person's history and current needs.
Her style is warm and direct. She listens closely and offers clear, actionable strategies drawn from evidence-based approaches. Therapy can include learning new coping skills, practicing difficult conversations, and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns.
Annette invites people to bring their whole selves to sessions, including sexual and relational preferences like kink or nontraditional relationship structures. She also weaves in light-hearted practices when helpful, such as laughter yoga, to balance heavy work.
People interested in starting are asked to complete the site's matching questionnaire and schedule through the platform. Annette aims to meet each person where they are and tailor the work to fit practical life demands.
She focuses on practical steps that match each person's goals and values. Sessions aim to rebuild trust, increase self-awareness, and strengthen emotional regulation. Annette blends mindfulness, gentle humor, and grounded exercises so work in therapy feels doable.
Many people come for help with relationship stress, intimacy-related issues, navigating LGBT identity, and coping with life transitions. She also supports concerns such as career stress, caregiver strain, body image, chronic illness, and attachment or abandonment wounds. Annette approaches these topics with attention to each person's history and current needs.
Her style is warm and direct. She listens closely and offers clear, actionable strategies drawn from evidence-based approaches. Therapy can include learning new coping skills, practicing difficult conversations, and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns.
Annette invites people to bring their whole selves to sessions, including sexual and relational preferences like kink or nontraditional relationship structures. She also weaves in light-hearted practices when helpful, such as laughter yoga, to balance heavy work.
People interested in starting are asked to complete the site's matching questionnaire and schedule through the platform. Annette aims to meet each person where they are and tailor the work to fit practical life demands.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gottman MethodJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy
Experience
23+ years
Credentials
Texas
Languages
English, Spanish
Approaches that shape online sessions
Annette uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy in ways that aim to connect thoughts and values to everyday actions and relationships. ACT helps people notice difficult thoughts without getting stuck in them and then choose actions that match their values; it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at patterns in close relationships and helps people understand and change how they connect, which often helps with intimacy challenges and rebuilding trust.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Annette collaborates with each person to match methods to their goals, needs, and preferences. She may draw from different approaches as sessions unfold so the plan fits the person rather than the reverse.
Confirm the current online session options before booking because formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It also lets people meet from different locations, including international clients, while keeping focus on practical tools, relationship work, and coping strategies that translate into day-to-day life.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Annette help with?
She works with anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship or intimacy struggles. Other areas include stress, career concerns, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her approach is warm and straightforward with practical exercises. She combines listening with clear strategies to use between sessions.
What is her professional background?
Annette is a licensed clinical social worker with 23 years of clinical experience. Her work emphasizes trauma awareness and relational healing.
Where is she based and licensed?
She practices from Texas and holds the LCSW credential in that state.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish. International clients are also accepted.
What session formats does she offer?
Please confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. The platform matching step will list the available ways to meet.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model. The subscription can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working together?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's listed availability.