Meet Annie Dreese, AMFT, PMH-C
Mother-Centered. Trauma-Informed. Relational.
About Annie
Before I became a therapist, I was a teacher, and I quickly realized that the most pressing challenges families face aren’t academic, but emotional. What kids bring into the classroom is shaped by what’s happening at home, in their relationships, and inside their nervous systems. That realization changed my path — and it led me here.
Now, as a therapist and a mom, I specialize in supporting individuals, couples, and parent-child relationships through life’s most tender transitions. Whether you’re adjusting to new parenthood, healing from trauma, or navigating identity shifts in your relationships, I offer a space where you can feel held, seen, and supported, without judgment or pressure.
I bring warmth, collaboration, and a direct style to my work, focusing on building strong, authentic relationships. For bilingual and bicultural clients, I offer therapy in both Spanish and English, and I understand how powerful it can be to find the right words in either language.
“When a woman tells the truth, she is creating the possibility for more truth around her.” – Adrienne Rich
Who I Work Best With
I specialize in therapy for:
Pregnant and postpartum women
Parents of babies and young children
Couples navigating new roles, intimacy, or parenting transitions
Mothers revisiting their childhood in light of becoming a parent
Individuals healing from trauma, anxiety, and attachment wounds
Whether stepping into motherhood for the first time, grieving the loss of what used to be, or working to rebuild connection in your relationship, therapy can be a place to pause, reflect, and move forward with more clarity and calm.
My Approach
My work is rooted in the belief that healing happens through connection, safety, and trust. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy — I meet each client with curiosity and care, bringing a blend of relational insight, trauma-informed practices, and evidence-based tools.
I integrate:
EMDR for trauma and nervous system healing
Trauma-Focused CBT for anxiety, stress, and negative thought patterns
Child-Parent Psychotherapy for early attachment and bonding
Parts work, mindfulness, and metaphor to explore internal experiences and shift patterns gently
Psychodynamic and depth work to help you make meaning of your past in service of your present
Whether you're seeking clarity in your parenting, reconnection in your relationship, or simply want to feel more like yourself again, our work together will be collaborative, intentional, and grounded in what feels right for you.
Clients often describe me as:
Direct, but deeply warm
Grounded, collaborative, and nonjudgmental
Someone who listens deeply and helps them name what they didn’t know they needed to say
A therapist who blends real-life practicality with meaningful emotional insight
Together, we build a space where you can feel empowered, calm, and connected — not only to the people in your life, but to yourself.
“This being human is a guest house… Welcome and entertain them all.” – Rumi
Services, Availability, & Insurance
🧡 In-Person & Virtual Therapy
Available for sessions in Santa Barbara, CA and online for California residents.
🗓 Availability
Fridays and select weekday evenings.
✅ Currently Accepting New Clients
🌿 Insurance:
I am able to accept the following insurances: Carelon (Gold Coast Medi-Cal), Aetna, Cigna, and United HealthCare (Optum)
Please note that all insurance plans are different and a verification of benefits on our end is not a guarantee of coverage, please check with your insurance provider to ensure coverage.
Supervised by Yvette Osorio, LMFT
Let’s Begin
If you're ready to feel more like yourself again — or to explore who you're becoming — I’d be honored to walk with you.