Culturally affirming and trauma-informed IFS & Brainspotting Online Therapy for adults in California.

Anny Papatheodorou, LMFT, Certified IFS therapist

Are you wondering if online therapy or counseling is right for you?

Initially, I must confess that I had reservations about online counseling. However, after over two years of providing therapy virtually, I am now a firm believer in its effectiveness. In fact, I have been pleasantly surprised by the positive outcomes and plan to continue an online counseling practice, even when California fully reopens.

My virtual therapy sessions are conducted on a secure platform and are accessible to individuals from all walks of life. As part of my services, I assist people in healing from relational trauma (complex PTSD), managing anxiety and depression, and coping with various life experiences.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to extend my services beyond the Bay Area to the entire state of California, particularly during these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is online therapy?

Online therapy, also known as telehealth, teletherapy, or virtual counseling, provides an accessible and convenient way to connect with a therapist from the comfort of your own space. Whether it be your home, office, or any other private location of your choice, online therapy allows for flexibility and ease of access.

To begin, you'll log into a secure video conferencing platform, such as Zoom, where you'll meet with your therapist. It's important to note that Zoom is HIPAA compliant, ensuring the privacy and security of your therapy sessions.

How does online therapy work?

It's important to note that when seeking counseling, you have to find a therapist who is licensed to practice in the state where you reside. As a licensed therapist in California, I am only able to provide services to individuals who are California residents.

The benefit of this is that you have access to a wide range of therapists throughout the state, from San Diego to Crescent City, and can take the time to find the right fit for you. It's important to feel a sense of comfort and rapport with your therapist, so don't hesitate to take your time to find someone who feels like the right fit.

What are the benefits of online therapy?

Accessibility & Flexibility

Engaging in online counseling offers you the flexibility to dedicate your time only during your scheduled call. You won't have to worry about traffic, driving back and forth, or the logistics of getting to the therapist's office. This makes it an excellent choice if you live farther away or have a busy schedule.

Moreover, online counseling provides access to mental health services to people who live in rural or remote areas and for people with disabilities. You can receive support and guidance from the comfort of your own home, making it easier to prioritize your mental health.

Choice & Right Fit

As a therapist specializing in trauma-responsive relational therapy, I believe in the power of our therapeutic connection. The quality of the relationship we build together is one of the most significant indicators of successful therapy. With online counseling, you have the freedom to choose the right therapist for you, regardless of their location. You can take the time you need to find the right fit without worrying about the logistical challenges of distance. This means that you can focus on building a strong, trusting relationship with your therapist, which can lead to positive therapeutic outcomes.

Privacy, Safety, & Confidentiality

Creating a safe and secure therapeutic environment is of utmost importance to me. With online therapy, you can say goodbye to the worry of running into someone you know in a waiting area or disclosing sensitive information to others. I take confidentiality and privacy seriously and make sure to use a secure video conferencing platform like Zoom, which meets the stringent HIPAA compliance standards. Please note that I do not use FaceTime or Skype for therapy sessions as they do not meet the necessary privacy standards.

 Other FAQs about Online therapy

  • The effectiveness of online therapy is being increasingly recognized as telehealth gains popularity and becomes more mainstream. Recent studies have shown that it can be just as beneficial and effective as in-person therapy. Examples of such studies have been published in:

  • This is an important question, and the answer is that for most reasons people seek counseling, telehealth is an excellent choice. However, some situations may require a higher level of care than teletherapy can provide. Rest assured that if at any point we determine that in-person therapy would best serve you, we will discuss this together. I am here to support you every step of the way, and I will help you find appropriate resources in your community to ensure a seamless transition of care.

  • While online therapy can be incredibly beneficial, it's important to acknowledge that it does come with some challenges. One of these challenges is the lack of full-body language and nonverbal cues that can be missed on screen. However, it's important to note that there are still many verbal cues and facial expressions that can be picked up on during an online session.

    Additionally, there may be occasional wifi issues, such as delays and freezing, that can disrupt the session. We will have a backup plan in place, such as switching over to our phones, to ensure we can continue our conversation without interruption. It's important to note that these tech issues are not common.

    Finding privacy during online therapy sessions can also be a challenge, particularly if you share space with others. However, as your therapist, I ensure that I am in a private location during our sessions to protect your privacy and confidentiality.

    Lastly, it's crucial to be aware of people advertising themselves as online therapists who are not licensed clinicians. I am a licensed clinician and am committed to providing high-quality, ethical care to all of my clients.

  • I see adults online. I specialize in complex trauma and its manifestations of anxiety and depression. I’m a Level 3 Certified Internal Family Systems therapist (parts work) and I’m also training in Brainspotting therapy.

  • Creating a space where you feel safe to express yourself freely is paramount in therapy. It is crucial to select a location where you feel at ease and can speak your truth without fear of judgment or interruption.

    Using earbuds during sessions can help you immerse yourself in the conversation and focus on the present moment, while a white noise machine can add a layer of privacy and peace to your space. Some apps also provide white noise options that can enhance your therapy experience.

    Together, we can explore what works best for you to ensure your privacy and comfort are always prioritized.

Welcome! I’m Anny.

I'm a licensed psychotherapist certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and trained in Brainspotting therapy. Not to mention a fantasy novel nerd, human and dog mother, and feta cheese aficionado.

I know in my bones what it is like to come from a challenging and painful background. As a relational trauma therapist, I have the honor of helping people heal their childhood wounds so that they create lives full of possibility and choice.

In our work together, I bring my full Self, meaning I'm right there with you every step of the way. I'm not a "blank slate" and will offer reflections and personal examples that may shed some light on your experiences, moments of "stuckness," and isolation.

I can hold intensity. There's no such thing as "being too much or too needy." I will laugh with you. I will curse with you. And welcome all parts of you wholeheartedly.

Begin online counseling from anywhere in California

I get how hard it can be to ask for help. I've been there myself.

Therapy helped me gain a deeper understanding of my patterns, and this has led me to a place where I can now respond to life's challenges with intention and clarity rather than simply reacting to them.

I didn’t have to carry all that pain alone.

My goal is to help you find a sense of relief and hope so that you can move forward on your journey with renewed vitality and confidence.