Finding Purpose Beyond the Lesson Plan

Anne Chester’s journey into therapy began with a dream of teaching. When she first entered college, her goal was clear: to become an educator and guide young minds in the classroom. But during her student teaching, Anne quickly discovered that the rigid demands of lesson plans, grading, and classroom management didn’t align with her strengths. What truly energized her was the informal moments—the time spent on the playground listening to kids, connecting with their parents, and helping them navigate life’s little dilemmas.

A candid conversation with her supervising teacher proved pivotal. Anne was encouraged to consider a career where those personal connections were more central. That feedback sparked a shift, and soon Anne redirected her path toward counseling. She enrolled at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, where she found her footing in systems theory—a framework that continues to inform her practice today. It was here that she deepened her understanding of how the environments we live in shape the way we cope, communicate, and heal.

Walking Alongside Women Through Transitions

Since opening her practice in 2004, Anne has focused primarily on helping women through pivotal life transitions. Whether it's the demanding shift into motherhood, the uncertain terrain of career changes, or the emotional complexity of the empty nest, Anne brings clarity and compassion to each unique story. She also works closely with young adults facing the pressure of building a life while still figuring out who they are.

Anne believes that therapy is most powerful when clients feel truly seen. “Sometimes, when you’re in the middle of it, you just can’t see a way out,” she often explains. Her role isn’t to fix, but to walk beside—helping clarify choices, validate feelings, and shift unhelpful patterns. Her style blends warmth with practicality, and her clients often describe sessions as both comforting and empowering.

She rejects the idea of one-size-fits-all therapy. Life is layered, messy, and deeply personal, and Anne meets each client exactly where they are. That flexible, responsive approach is central to why so many clients build long-term therapeutic relationships with her.

Connection Inside and Outside the Office

Anne understands that choosing a therapist is deeply personal, and the right connection matters. That’s why she offers new clients a free 15-minute video consultation. It's a chance to get a feel for the chemistry before committing—because therapy should feel like a partnership from the very beginning.

Outside of the therapy room, Anne lives with the same intention and depth she brings to her practice. She shares life with her husband, two children, and three pets (two dogs and a cat). Creativity and self-care weave through her personal routines: she makes homemade jam, originally sparked by a cherry surplus that became a flavorful fundraising tool for her kids’ events. Though the recipes are private, the jam is shared with joy.

Anne also carves out time for Pilates—a practice that keeps her grounded and energized, helping her show up fully for others. She believes that living deeply and mindfully enhances her ability to support others in doing the same.

For Anne Chester, therapy isn’t simply about managing challenges—it’s about creating space for people to thrive. And in her quiet but transformative way, she helps clients rediscover possibility, one conversation at a time.

To learn more about Anne Chester™, LCSW Counseling visit:
https://www.AnneChester.com
Anne Chester™, LCSW Counseling 
122 River Oaks Drive 
Southlake, Texas 76092 
817-939-7884