Meet Annie Brashem—Therapist at Best Therapists

Annie is a therapist in Oakland who specializes in working with people impacted by illness or disability- either in themselves or a loved one (parent, spouse, child, or any other close relationship). She is nationally board certified in palliative care and has over a decade of experience working with patients, families, and couples when a medical diagnosis, crisis, or change in health condition occurs. Annie is passionate about working with patients and caregivers facing many illness categories such as cancer, stroke, ALS, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, neuromuscular conditions, heart or lung problems, kidney disease, auto-immune disorders, and many more. She is particularly interested in cultivating the attuned and open space required to delve into mortality and end-of-life issues, though also enjoys working with patients and caregivers at any stage or severity of illness.

Coping with acute, chronic, or serious illness ourselves or being a caregiver (parent, spouse, child, or any other close relationship) to someone with an illness or disability is one of life’s most difficult challenges. They forever affect how we view ourselves, our relationships, and how our lives were “supposed” to go. Our experience of illness or disability is also impacted by everything else we have been through in our lives. Each of us will experience being a care-giver or a care-recipient at some point, and the patients I work with find that specialized therapeutic support can help them navigate the specific challenges that illness presents. By working collaboratively and compassionately together, we will explore topics such as uncertainty, loss, identity, meaning-making, medical trauma, and resilience. Amidst everything else you are coordinating and juggling, you made it here. I hope to be a supportive partner through your illness, disability, or caregiving journey.

Masters of Social Welfare | University of California-Berkeley, 2015