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Meet Annalise Barnette, PhD, LMFTA

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in NC.

Currently has availability for clients. Has evening & weekend availability. Accepts Insurance and private pay. 

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About Me.

Many couples and families I meet tell me it feels like they’re stuck in a cycle, having the same arguments over and over, or slipping into silence that feels just as heavy. These patterns don’t appear overnight. Some are shaped by the stresses of everyday life; others stretch back through family stories passed down across generations. My role is to help you pause long enough to notice what’s happening and begin creating new ways of connecting.

 

I’ve always been someone who notices. Growing up, I was often the observer, the one paying attention to how people related, listening for what wasn’t being said as much as what was. That part of me has become the foundation of how I practice therapy. In the room, I listen closely to the words, but I also notice the pauses, the tension, and the deeper stories shaping how you relate. My calm, soft-spoken presence creates space for honesty without pressure, and for change to unfold at a pace that feels safe.

 

I was born and raised in Jamaica, and my cultural roots are a big part of who I am. Being Jamaican has taught me the value of humor in hard times, the importance of community, and the belief that when one person struggles, we all come together to lift them up. Those values shape how I show up with clients, with warmth, connection, and a belief in your resilience.

 

Parenthood has also shaped me in meaningful ways. As a mother, I take that role seriously. It has taught me patience, flexibility, and how important it is to show up with both consistency and care. Parenting a neurodiverse child has deepened my understanding of how differences show up in families, and how vital it is to feel seen and supported. These experiences give me compassion for the struggles families face as they navigate stress, expectations, and change.

 

Before becoming a therapist, I earned a PhD in Immunology. While it may seem far from therapy, it trained me to think critically, notice the smallest details, and tolerate uncertainty without rushing to answers. In therapy, those skills help me hold the whole story, past and present, while also attending to the smaller moments that create openings for healing.

 

My passion is working with couples and families who long for closeness but feel weighed down by cycles of conflict, mistrust, or distance. Together, we’ll slow things down, look at what keeps the cycle going, and begin to practice new ways of reaching for one another. I believe restoration is possible when everyone in the room is willing to show up.

At the heart of my work is care. Choosing a therapist is not small, and I don’t take it lightly when someone chooses me. I show up steady, compassionate, and curious, ready to help you step out of old stories and begin writing new ones rooted in safety, authenticity, and connection.

 

Credentials & Experience

  • BS in Biology - Florida State University
  • MS in Marriage & Family Therapy - Syracuse University
  • PhD in Microbiology and Immunology - University of Miami
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in NC
  • Gottman Level 1 & 2 Trained (Couples Therapy Modality)
Focus Areas
  • Couples therapy: communication breakdowns, recurring conflict cycles, healing after trust injuries
  • Premarital counseling: preparing for marriage and building strong foundations
  • Family therapy: navigating intergenerational patterns, roles, and transitions
  • Parenting support: balancing roles, strengthening parent–child connection, and managing stress
  • Neurodiversity-affirming care: support for ADHD, autism, and families navigating attention and regulation challenges
  • Cultural identity and relationships: honoring the impact of race, culture, and power on relational health
  • Life transitions: adapting to changes such as relocation, separation, or new stages of family life

Providing only teletherapy sessions from the comfort of your home to New York, North Carolina, Vermont, Maryland, and Virginia residents.

P: 347-970-2670

P: 919-551-3217

F: 919-289-3217

E: Meaningfulemotion@gmail.com

Hours of regular operation: Mon & Friday 8am - 8pm, Tue-Thurs 8am-4pm, Saturday 8-12pm; We are closed on Sunday

 

Appointments upon request.

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© 2023 by Meaningful Emotion Therapy LLC

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