Annette Bushfield

Hello, I'm Annette Bushfield! Since 2007, I've worked with clients who have had minor to severe mental health issues. I have also helped many clients to reach their goals of reduction or secession of self-injury.

My approach

I like to incorporate art, music, journaling, and physical activities combined with evidence-based therapies into sessions and homework. Homework assignments help clients to remain on the path to wellness, and it serves as a reminder that they are moving forward. Retraining the brain to manage difficult situations and emotions (DBT and CBT) can provide clients with results fairly quickly. When clients learn to identify their commitment to their progress (Motivational Interviewing), they can learn to identify how they developed maladaptive behaviors and how to change them (Schema Therapy).

My focus

I've worked with teens, soldiers in psychiatric units, prisoners, and residents of nursing homes. I've also trained counselors on how to work with prisoners who have experienced trauma, severe and persistent mental illness, and psychosis. I am most comfortable working 1:1 with clients who desire to see results from their efforts. In working with soldiers and prisoners, I've learned that the intensity of a client's experiences can sometimes be expressed in unique ways, which can be cathartic and a part of the growth process.

My communication style

Clients should sense that they are not judged and that they will have the freedom to make mistakes as they move forward toward their destination of optimal mental well-being. Clients have posted reviews online that tell the story that their efforts during therapy to apply the tools they've learned have helped them to better manage their thoughts and responses to naturally occurring emotional feelings.

My journey to mental healthcare

After working with soldiers' families for many years as a volunteer spouse, I enrolled in graduate school in 2004. Initially, I worked at a psychiatric unit for soldiers in NY, and was recruited to Florida prisons to serve as a therapist to prisoners. Since Covid, I've learned the benefits of providing clients with online therapy at their convenience.

My goals for you

I've learned from working with prisoners that each client could be at a different place in their growth and self efficacy. Its important for a client to reflect regularly on the progress they've made and redefine their goals if necessary.

My first session with you

Our first session is our best time to create a plan, with realistic expectations and timeframes. I'll need to ask some background information that we will use during our subsequent sessions. You'll also be able to ask questions and determine the best course to follow for your future sessions.