What changes when you finally do the work.
The women I work with run companies, lead teams, raise families, and hold it all together on the outside. They don't come to me because their lives aren't working — they come because something essential still feels missing beneath the impressive surface.
Here's what happens when they stop performing fine and start doing the real work — in therapy, in coaching, in courses, and through the newsletter that started it all.
Compassionate, non-judgmental, approachable, safe, stable, secure, honest, caring, empathetic, emotionally intelligent, authentic, and truly committed to helping to alleviate suffering in the world. These are just some of the things I admire about Annie Wright. She has a gift of really making me feel seen, heard, held, and loved. I highly recommend Annie if you are in search of a therapist who will be a committed partner to your process.
L.K.In addition to having a warm, open personality she is very intelligent, gifted and passionate. My trust in Annie began with a large piece of group work where she helped me get in touch with parts of myself that were previously out of reach. My admiration for Annie also developed during that experience and from being in contact with her empathic abilities, collaborative style and overall strength. Annie is a fantastic clinician and partner in healing.
D.B.I was immediately struck by her warmth, openness and optimism. She lights up the room when she enters and her magnetism makes everyone around her feel loved. The care she places on her work is extraordinary — her passion for working with girls and women to help us become whole and achieve our dreams is truly inspiring. Whenever I have the opportunity to sit with Annie, I feel truly heard and inevitably feel better about myself after our time together.
K.G.Annie blends professionalism with compassion and walks the profound line between the individual and the communal. Her eye is focused on one person one at a time and yet her vision leads toward health for the whole. I am in awe of her personal integrity and balance, her intelligence, wit, and care. Annie cares. I recommend her wholeheartedly.
S.L.I've worked with three therapists since I was a high school student and, far and away, working with Annie was the best therapy experience I've had!
H.G.I love Annie! Every time I speak with her I feel listened to and respected. She has been a valuable confidant and supporter in my process of self-discovery.
A.W.I have worked with Annie for several years now, and have the utmost respect and appreciation for her in her practice. I find her communication style to be warm when needed, funny when appropriate, diligent in timing, and direct when most helpful. I consider her one of my more helpful resources in life, and would highly recommend her to anyone in need of guidance, support, continuity, or change.
B.M.Annie asks the right questions, gives honest guidance, and really helps you see things clearly. Every session with her left me feeling so focused and empowered and excited to apply what I learned. She cares about clients so much and even follows up between sessions, which I think really shows how invested she is in your growth.
J.I saw her after a particularly intense breakup when I was struggling to reorient myself while dealing with a tenuous living situation and difficult (but rewarding) job. She was amazing. A complete joy to speak to. She met me where I was emotionally and logically rather than trying to force me to conform to her world view. Her empathy and care felt tangible and created a safe space for me to share and feel heard and understood. Honestly, if I had the money I'd continue to see her weekly for the rest of my life.
via YelpI have worked with Annie Wright for a number of years, and consider her (and her team) a valuable referral resource for a variety of counseling needs. Annie has worked with my husband and I in a counseling capacity throughout our marriage and I consider her the most talented, caring, exceptional counselor. I am grateful for her wisdom, humor, empathy, and relatability, and recommend Evergreen Counseling often and wholeheartedly.
via YelpShe helped me — to put it in her words — 'fully step into' my life, after helping me escape from a very unhealthy relationship. If I hadn't moved overseas (a huge life decision that her sessions assisted with immensely), I would have continued my weekly sessions with her indefinitely for my overall mental health. Highly, highly recommended!
via YelpAnnie is so wonderful and I highly recommended anyone needing a little extra support in their lives to reach out to her. You will be in good hands!
S.G.I referred a dear friend in crisis to Evergreen Counseling, and she told me that her experience was life-changing, and exactly what she needed at that difficult moment in time. Annie is an expert in relational trauma and recovery, a human who truly cares, and I knew that any therapist she hired would be top-notch and more than qualified to help. You can feel confident when reaching out that you're going to receive the care that you need.
via Yelp
Annie has a way of being in the world that is beautifully intuitive, warm, compassionate, and comforting. Yet she can also get right to the heart of an issue with a fierce kindness that few people truly embody. I highly recommend Annie as a therapist and coach.
J.K.Annie is a wonderful therapist and human being. I have always been impressed by her intelligence and profound ability to connect to people in a deep and meaningful way. She is articulate, funny and engaging and passionately cares about the people she works with. Enormously talented, she has also the ability to analyze situations and solve complex issues with warmth and intellect, a rare combination.
T.S.Annie offers clear headed explanations for complicated professional challenges and addresses real workplace issues in a user friendly yet sophisticated way. She backs up what she says with solid research and has an exceptional ability to educate and support people in their professional growth.
L.R.Annie provides tremendously powerful analysis that triggers realizations not just personally but professionally. Her insights have influenced how I approach challenges with my team and colleagues.
W.H.Annie has a vital presence that cuts through the mental clutter in professional settings. She is intuitive and insightful and will not hesitate to communicate what she knows when the timing is right. Any executive looking for a straightforward, aligned and gifted coach is in good hands.
V.T.Annie is very intelligent, gifted and passionate. My trust in Annie began with her ability to help me get in touch with parts of my leadership style that were previously out of reach. Her empathic abilities, collaborative style and overall strength make her a fantastic coach and partner in professional development.
D.B.Annie is absolutely amazing! She approached all of our sessions with kindness and clarity. I always had a sense of our roadmap in every meeting. She balances guidance and feedback, along with compassion. Even in moments I didn't recognize were a challenge, she pointed out my hard work and validated my experience. If you are a practice owner, I highly recommend working with Annie! She has been an asset to my practice.
E.I.The only thing that was holding me back from enrolling was money but I knew I could sell some old stuff lying around my house for cash and make it up for the course fee. It took me a few days to really go for it but it was all worth it! Annie helps me feel heard and be seen. And the community is priceless! It's so lonely when you don't have people who support you but the people in the group show support and create the invisible bond that I know I'm not alone. I highly recommend the course!
JenI definitely thought my family dysfunction would be way too hard for this to really make any difference so I figured if it didn't work with my family it would still be good for work and other relationships. Boundaries feel the most difficult with family members but the tools in this class are incredibly useful in less complicated relationships and it's helping me to learn how to set and hold boundaries when I wasn't taught how to do it.
BreanneI just wanted to drop a quick thanks for the class. I've been doing the work with the harder members of my family. My dad called me today crying and we had a good quick conversation where I told him what I need and he responded very well. My therapist congratulated me on the boundaries I set and have been holding. My dad has never done what he did today. Not even close — it seems like my healing is throwing a wrench in the family system. Thanks again!
BreI was initially concerned that the course would not address my family of origin concerns. I was trafficked by my mother and grandmother, and both sides of my family were really hard. I was actually pleasantly surprised in the course that all of the course content, as well as the course bonuses, actually felt supportive and extremely supportive in my particular circumstance.
AthenaBy respecting other's boundaries and applying healthy ones of my own that I learned in this course, I have been able to significantly repair one family relationship and am now starting to slowly mend another with stronger boundaries and careful, limited contact. Mom is responding to the boundaries and is less reactive, more respectful. Less reactivity means more calm.
TamaraThank you, Annie, the content is so rich! I can see how this is your life's work so far. I really appreciate you sharing this so humbly.
AgnesIt's so comforting to have a group of people who 'get it' quite as well as you all. It's really validating and helps remind me that my boundaries are SO important.
MaeganYou gave me tools, so that with reasonable people I can overcome my inner fear and find the words and phrases to say and be able to speak with better authority. I feel more and more I am finding more people like myself.
SuzanneToday's Group Coaching Call was like a cool drink of fresh water. It's wonderful to have the opportunity to experience questions being discussed with faces seen and voices heard. My brain and heart both appreciate the extra connections!
MeredithYour blog and this course have helped to open my eyes to more than I even realized that stemmed from my relational trauma! This community has been so helpful also — to read posts that word for word describe situations I have experienced is so healing!
AmyShe's the only therapist I have read who talks about estrangement and describes the complexity and challenge around it so well. The only thing that is soothing the decision is this community.
BreanneI am a few months into my new job and I have to tell you boundaries are the best! I started the class over again about a month ago and I've seen a real difference. I'm so much happier! It took a lot of work in the beginning but I'm noticing other people are starting to change now as I've held firm.
B.I've done so much structured work to change my thought patterns and build up my coping skills through Annie's educational approach, and it has made a huge difference in my life. The systematic learning and self-development work has been truly empowering.
A.G.The price was holding me back from enrolling — I've been unemployed for a while and am just starting a new job this week — but I am really glad I joined. The course has been worthwhile, especially because of the community and finding others who 'get it.'
KatieI'm so grateful for this community. This call felt so warm and cozy, as always, I related to so much of what was shared.
Shaina
Annie, with your writing, you are making an important contribution to a wider audience than could ever meet with you one on one. You're a gifted writer — you offer empathy and clear headed explanations for complicated issues. You address real life issues in a user friendly/supportive way. It's beautiful and a gift. AND, you back up what you say with solid research.
L.R.This was such a thoughtful and insightful read! I love how you frame the family genogram as a tool for self-reflection and intergenerational awareness rather than just a clinical exercise. The way you connect it to patterns, relationships, and personal growth really resonates.
A.W.Thank you for this brilliant essay today. 'They understand that the work isn't about choosing between family and ambition. It's about expanding your capacity to hold both love and boundaries, connection and authenticity, loyalty and growth.'
E.B.I'm so grateful to have found your Substack. I see so much of myself in your posts (hello, hiding in a packed calendar!). And what I enjoy about your writing is your skill at delving deep behind the whys of behavior — and also providing practical applications folks can try to walk a new path. Thank you for opening your wisdom to the world!
A.K.Annie, I'm so grateful for this article and space. It matters so much to have these important conversations and break the silence around trauma.
G.L.S.Dear Annie, so pleased to get a deeper understanding of the complexity of relationship after reading this article. A degree of ease has since settled into my crowded thoughts with what I am going through at the moment.
N.R.This email was amazing. You gave the parts application outside of 'x does this because of y' textbook examples. Thanks so much for writing it.
J.W.Annie first captured my attention in her work about complex relational trauma. From this work, I began to realize the many maladaptive thoughts and beliefs I've been carrying throughout my life and the problems they were causing me. I've continued to follow Annie's work as she offers realistic suggestions about how to heal through relationship.
Jennifer, DelawareAnnie's work has provided me with an understanding of my place within my birth family, guidance on being true to myself and caring for myself, and tools for thoughtfully and compassionately dealing with my family before and after my father's illness and death. Annie helped me come through two rough years much more prepared for a future of positive relationships.
Meridith, OregonI love Annie's work! She's warm and encouraging and always makes me think. Since she has personal experience with intergenerational trauma, she is uniquely equipped to advise on these challenging and often overlooked topics. I am thankful for kind-hearted souls like Annie who make me feel like I can not only heal but flourish. I only wish I'd found her sooner!
Barbara, Shenandoah Valley, VAI am a survivor of both physical and emotional abuse. To this day, Mother's Day is still incredibly difficult for me. Your work about forgiving someone when I am ready and to be gentle with myself has helped. Your work has also helped me see that me walking away from toxic situations means that I'm not a horrible person.
I consider you to be a new generation Louise Hay. Kind and gentle with helping others to deal with sharp edges from their past!
Kim, Kingman, AZI've been positively impacted by Annie's teachings on boundaries in that I am now mindful of my boundaries and am now more comfortable enforcing my boundaries. I really like how Annie approaches topics in a gentle and friendly way.
Kathy, Roseville, MNYou have given me encouragement that I'm on the right path towards a more healthy state of mind. Everyone needs to practice good boundaries!
Mindy, Wadesboro, NCThank you for this! There are times when I look at what I have and know it's more than I ever imagined and I ask myself 'Why am I not blissfully happy, why isn't it enough?' Luckily we have your posts and newsletters. Thank you!
JefferyYou have such a gift for putting into words our internal experience. There is part of me — the lonely introverted little kid who couldn't rely on anyone — that is triggered by the current situation. This part needs compassionate attention and care.
ShayWOW! This article is SO VALIDATING! You put into words what I have been feeling the past few weeks. Now I know I'm not alone and nothing is wrong with me.
SarahThank you and an excellent, excellent clear explanation of what I couldn't quite get in touch with until I read this today. I feel as if I can take a deep cleansing breath and trust my thoughts and feelings and continue on.
CarolThank you for another incredibly beautiful post, Annie. It resonated so deeply with me that I looked back in a folder where I keep 'doodles,' things I have drawn or written at times that I feel something rising up that needs to be acknowledged.
MaryWhenever I think the blog isn't going to apply to me, it always hits the nail on the head. Thank you, Annie!
RobinToday's column on estranged family members really resonated with me. Thank you so much for your column today and for the last few years. I have been a faithful reader. Your column today gave me the courage to talk about this issue.
Your articles are always informative, wise, balanced, real and always resonate. I appreciate you very much.
EvaI am bookmarking this, your words are so wise and still my heart. Thank you for the healing words and work you do. It brings life.
AllisonI feel the deepest connection with Annie and I truly believe she is great in what she does. I really enjoy her articles and posts.
S.S.I think it's a tremendously powerful analysis. I know that it has triggered realisations in myself and with others with whom I have mentioned this.
W.H.As a therapist, I've seen many wonderful, big-hearted clients struggle to navigate difficult relationships with loved ones. Annie's course, Hard Families Good Boundaries, is the missing resource I've been looking for.
Krista Niles, MA, LCSWFor years, I struggled to find resources that spoke specifically to family estrangement. Annie's work is the resource I wish I'd had years ago.
Maegan Megginson, MA, LMFT, LPCAs a therapist myself, Annie's work is my go-to resource for my clients with complex relational trauma. I can't count the number of times I have assigned a client the homework of, 'read Annie Wright's blog.' Without fail, my clients report back feeling seen, understood, and less alone.
Samantha Barr, MA, LPC, NCCI can't recommend Evergreen Counseling highly enough. The founder and director, Annie Wright, is one of the most trauma-informed and skilled therapists I have ever met. She only hires the most exceptional therapists. They are my number one go-to for referrals!
Fellow clinician, via YelpStellar practice with highly skilled and compassionate therapists. They use the most up to date, evidenced-based treatments while still being empathic and kind. This is a wonderful group, a rare gem.
Fellow clinician, via YelpAs a therapist and a human, I work and live in all of this. Thank you for your beautiful, eloquent words of truth.
Amy Kane, TherapistStart with the newsletter.
Strong & Stable is my free weekly essay on why driven women don't feel as good as their lives look — and what to do about it. The women in these testimonials? Most of them found me through the newsletter first.
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