Annette Rios-Barrera, LCSW
Trauma-informed therapy for relationships and identity
- Relational healing support
- LGBTQ plus affirming care
- Mindfulness with gentle joy
About Annette Rios-Barrera
Annette Rios-Barrera, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker in Texas with 23 years of experience supporting people through life’s most tender and complicated seasons. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed care and relational healing, with a focus on helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, PTSD, identity exploration, and the many layers of human connection.
She offers affirming support for LGBTQ+ clients and for people in polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationships, meeting each person with compassion, clarity, and respect for their lived experience. Annette also helps clients facing grief, including pet loss, as well as family conflict and other relationship challenges, creating space for honest reflection and meaningful change.
Annette believes healing is not one-size-fits-all. Therapy is shaped around each client’s goals and values, with attention to building emotional safety, strengthening self-awareness, rebuilding trust, and supporting greater alignment and resilience in both life and relationships.
As a certified laughter yoga instructor, she may incorporate gentle playfulness and mindfulness when it feels helpful, recognizing that moments of joy can be part of the healing process. Her approach is holistic and collaborative, designed to help clients feel supported as they move forward with greater confidence and self-understanding.
She offers affirming support for LGBTQ+ clients and for people in polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationships, meeting each person with compassion, clarity, and respect for their lived experience. Annette also helps clients facing grief, including pet loss, as well as family conflict and other relationship challenges, creating space for honest reflection and meaningful change.
Annette believes healing is not one-size-fits-all. Therapy is shaped around each client’s goals and values, with attention to building emotional safety, strengthening self-awareness, rebuilding trust, and supporting greater alignment and resilience in both life and relationships.
As a certified laughter yoga instructor, she may incorporate gentle playfulness and mindfulness when it feels helpful, recognizing that moments of joy can be part of the healing process. Her approach is holistic and collaborative, designed to help clients feel supported as they move forward with greater confidence and self-understanding.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Gottman Method Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems Systemic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Annette Rios-Barrera have?
Annette Rios-Barrera has 23 years of professional experience as a therapist.
Is Annette Rios-Barrera a licensed therapist?
Yes. Annette Rios-Barrera is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), licensed in Texas as TX LCSW 53659.
In which languages does Annette Rios-Barrera provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English and Spanish.
Where is Annette Rios-Barrera located?
Annette Rios-Barrera is based in Texas.
How can I work with Annette Rios-Barrera as my therapist?
You can work with Annette Rios-Barrera through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Annette Rios-Barrera work with international clients?
Yes. Annette Rios-Barrera works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Annette Rios-Barrera cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapy Approaches That Translate Well Online
Annette Rios-Barrera, LCSW, draws from evidence-informed approaches that can be effective in a flexible online setting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients notice patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, then practice new ways of responding - often useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and navigating life changes. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on building psychological flexibility by making room for difficult internal experiences while taking steps aligned with personal values, which can support identity exploration, grief, and relationship stress. Attachment-Based Therapy emphasizes how early and current relationship experiences shape connection and trust, helping clients better understand relational needs, boundaries, and patterns that show up in family or intimate relationships.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Annette collaborates with clients to clarify goals, preferences, and what feels most supportive, adjusting the pace and tools as therapy unfolds so the process stays aligned with each person’s needs.
Online therapy also offers practical options for different schedules and comfort levels. Sessions can happen through video calls or phone sessions, and support can continue between sessions through live chat or text-based messaging. This flexibility can make it easier to stay consistent, access care from home, and choose the format that best fits the moment.
Ready to start therapy with Annette Rios-Barrera?
Take the first step toward a better you.