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Anne Lee profile

Anne Lee, LMFT

Message from Anne

Hi. My name is Anne. Welcome to my Profile page! I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. I really enjoy helping individuals and their families work on a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, self esteem, trauma, eating disorders, body image, attention deficit problems, life transitions, family/relationship dynamics, social life, romantic relationships and dating. I have over 25 years of experience in helping people of all ages and backgrounds live healthier happier lives. I am compassionate and intuitive and will work collaboratively with you. I will help you learn how to relax and destress; learn how to manage your emotions; learn how to navigate romance -whether it's dating or a long term relationship; improve your relationship with yourself and with others; learn how to cope with life so can get more out of the life you're living. I will work with you to address any deeper underlying issues you may have while providing you with tools and techniques to help address immediate concerns such as feelings of sadness, loneliness, fears, and stress. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Exposure Therapy and EMDR. Call or text me at 949.689.8272 for a free phone consultation!

About Anne's practice

Availability

Availability

Weekends 9am - 5pm

Weekdays 9am - 5pm

Weekdays Before 9am

Fee

Fee

$$

Sliding scale

Style

Style

Directive

Reflective

Body-based

Method

Method

In-person available: Yes

Virtual available: Yes

Expertise

Expertise

Anxiety

Depression

Eating Disorder

Life Transitions

Self-Esteem

Trauma

ADD/ADHD

Romantic Life

Insurance

Insurance

Cigna

State

State

CA

Why state matters

Background
Profile

Get to Know Anne

"Trying to sum up a couple years of conversations for a review is no easy task. I'll start by saying after I began working with Anne on an acute relationship issue, we were able to address many other layers that I had been unaware of. Things that were planted so many years and experiences ago, that I just operated as though had been, and always would be, part of me. Our work allowed me to see, then release, many negative aspects, and realize a new course for my life. Less burdened with obligations and performative acts, more free to be content and satisfied, wherever I am."

Paul, Client

"I have struggled with an eating disorder for all of my life and Anne has really helped me in my recovery. I know this is a long journey to get well but I appreciate the compassion, support and direction that she's given me. We've worked on everything from my body image to self esteem to having a voice and asserting myself to making sure that I follow my meal plan. It really helps that she's a dietitian and a therapist so that she can challenge ED in all the different areas of recovery. "

Sammy, Client

"Anne has really helped me and my fiancee. My fiancee used to struggle with being explosive in her emotions and impulsive in her reactions. Anne made such a difference and helping her grow that we started couples counseling and I can't believe how much our relationship improved. We used to not talk to each other because we were afraid how the other person was going to react. We both used to take everything personally. We also didn't have a life outside of each other. Anne helped us learn to communicate, respect each other's opinions. We learned that it's okay to agree to disagree. We learned to give each other space when needed. We learned that having outside friends and interests helped us have a better relationship. There's so much more I can say but suffice it to say, we are grateful that Anne has been our therapist and helped us to grow as a couple."

Arthur and Carole, Client

Where did you work before going into private practice?

I actually started my first career as a dietitian. I worked at a psychiatric hospital where I treated individuals with eating disorders and felt I could make a bigger difference in their lives by obtaining my Master's in Psychology. I eventually developed and became clinical manager of an eating disorder program and helped manage the general psychiatric program at Mission Hospital, Laguna Beach for over 17 years. I combined my background as a dietitian and therapist together to provide a whole person approach to treatment. While working full time there I also had a small private practice providing psychotherapy to individuals with eating disorders as well as depression, anxiety, addictions and trauma. I left working at the hospital in 2014 and went into full time private practice in Orange County, CA.

Have you received any particular training beyond your post-Bachelor's training?

I have two Master's degrees: MS in Nutrition and MA in Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling. I continually do continuing education and have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Exposure Therapy, and EMDR.

What degrees do you have and what techniques are you trained in?

I have a B.S. in Dietetics from U.C. Davis; M.S. in Nutrition from University of Nebraska, Lincoln; and M.A. in Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling from CalSouthern University. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Exposure Therapy, and EMDR

How should I prepare for my first session with you?

Sit down and take a bit of time to reflect on why you are starting therapy and what your specific goals or concerns are that you want to address.

How long should I commit to being in therapy, at least in the beginning?

I know this is a vague answer but...It will depend on what you are seeking therapy for and how you respond to treatment.

How can you tell if I am feeling stuck, unseen, or unheard?

You will find this is a safe place to voice your concerns, especially if you are feeling stuck, unheard or unseen. We will also work together to help you become assertive, find your voice and empower you. As the therapist,if I see that you are stuck, unseen or unheard, I will bring it to your attention so we can address it and work through it.

How can you tell if I am benefiting from working with you?

When we start, we will determine what some of your goals and needs are and will be evaluating your progress as you continue with therapy.

How do you approach diversity in the room or working with clients who may come from a different background than you?

I individualize my approach and techniques based on each individual's background and needs as no two people are alike.

If I have never been to therapy before, what should I expect? How do I know if I should go, and how do I start?

There is no one answer to this question as each person's experience is different. Start with reflecting on why you are seeking therapy now and what are your goals. Then set up a consultation and see if we're a fit and go from there. Take it one step at a time.

What is unique about the work you do, or how have you found your work to be different than your colleagues'?

Since I was a dietitian first before a psychotherapist, I think my background is very unique. I am able to combine these two areas of healthcare together to provide a whole person approach with evidence based treatment.

What is the best part of the work for you?

The best part is making a difference in people's lives. Seeing them develop resiliency and fuller richer lives.

What led you to become a mental healthcare practitioner?

As I mentioned in the previous question, I became a mental health practitioner when I started treating eating disorders and believed the combination of the two would help me provide more effective treatment. It was there that I saw the connection between physical and mental health and how closely linked they are in a person's overall health and well being.

Do you have experience (5-10 years+) working with any types of obstacles or people in particular?

I have been treating eating disorders and substance use disorders since 1997 and experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, self esteem issues and relationships as a psychotherapist since 2007.

Is there ever a time when you would encourage me to leave or graduate? Or how do I know when it's time to end or move on, or time to stay and explore more?

Absolutely! I want to help you gain insight about yourself, your relationships and how you can interact in your world in the most effective way possible. So, you'll find that I will help you explore your concerns and help you learn to problem solve so that eventually you are able to manage yourself and your life without my input.

How will our relationship be different than relationships I have with friends/loved ones?

When you come into therapy, that time and space is just for you. This is a time and place that is safe for you to address your issues and concerns and receive support, direction and input from an objective point of view. When I give feedback, its not based on well meaning "advice" that friends or family would give, rather it's from my experience, education and training that helps me to explore and assess your situations and help you work through them. This is a one way relationship. Friends and family relationships are two way -it's reciprocal.

Do you assign homework, activities, or readings for me to do between sessions? Why or why not?

Yes! I believe that's important to do work between session so I often will assign homework that is either to provide more education; self reflection; and/or practice to further the work that you do in session. This will give you the most benefit from our sessions as often there are things you need to work on and/or challenge yourself with outside of the time we spend together in session.

How participatory are you during sessions?

I want to collaborate with you and meet you where you are at each session. Therefore, the amount will vary depending on the session and what we're working on. If you choose to do EMDR with me then you'll find I talk very little and am there to guide you through the EMDR session.

How much do you share about yourself during our time together and why?

I share only information or experiences in my personal life only when I think it will add value to what you need to work on. The sessions are about you, not me, but if there is something that I think would be helpful to you then I will share it. I usually ask my clients if they want to hear something from my personal life that I think they would benefit from hearing and if they are I will share it. I am always mindful that this is your time!

Are there any philosophies or values that inform your work that I should know about?

My philosophy is that it is never too late to make positive changes in your life as long as you are willing to put the time and effort and some risks. For an individual or a relationship to improve, we need to take risks and do things differently. I am here to help you make those changes one small step at a time. With each small step, we move closer to our goals.

From your perspective, what is therapy?

Therapy is an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and non-judgmental place. It's a place for you to talk, work through your issues, develop and implement new skills that can help you gain insight and manage yourself, your relationships and your life in a healthier manner.