My professional background
Hi, I’m Anna.
I retrained as a Psychotherapist after over a decade’s experience working in a wide range of frontline services, including adult mental health, homelessness, domestic abuse, and substance misuse - gradually moving from support work to senior management. During this time, I supported people through deeply personal and painful struggles, often against rigid structures and systems. I have always been very curious about people, understanding why we are the way we are the way we are – the biological, psychological and sociological influence on our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It was this fascination that led me to study Sociology originally at university, before completing post-graduate studies in Psychology and a Coaching Diploma which provided me with what I describe as the foundations.
Following my foundational studies, my career progressed, and my anxiety did too. Eventually realising that I was experiencing Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder, I got help. Therapy and Yoga helped me in so many ways during this time (but it wasn’t easy, nor was it linear - more on this below!). I did the work (and yes, it was hard. And yes, it’s ongoing!). During this time, I also did some serious reflections on what I enjoyed most about my career (without the blockages of systems and structures). I realised that what I loved most was working with people one to one, supporting them to feel seen, better understand themselves and make positive changes to move forward in life.
These reflections eventually helped me decide to complete my Yoga Teacher Training and then begin my Masters training in Integrative Psychotherapy. Specialising in Anxiety and Anxiety disorders has not just a professional interest, but a very personal motivation to better understand these conditions, and how we can better navigate them.
I’ve battled with anxiety for as long as I can remember. But I didn’t know what it was until I was in my early 30s, I didn’t have the words for it. I tried so many things, so many therapies, at times thinking I was beyond help.
I know exactly what it’s like to live too much in your own head, obsessively tuning into every thought, feeling, and sensation. Trying to think your way out of uncertainty even though certainty doesn’t exist.
My own journey to recovery was long and winding. I tried many therapists, all of whom helped with a piece of the puzzle.
Psychoeducation helped me understand what anxiety is
Psychodynamic psychotherapy helped me understand how my past challenges had left with me a vulnerability to anxiety
CBT and ACT helped me change my relationship with anxiety and challenge my highly sensitive critical voice
Somatic therapy and yoga helped me come home to myself and trust my body again
ERP was the final piece of the puzzle as I slowly began to feel more resilient and re-commit to life and life’s challenges.
These therapeutic approaches, in addition to whole lot of patience, compassion towards myself, continued practice through the setbacks, and eventually my own training in Psychotherapy allowed me to find myself again. I am an example that it’s possible to recover from anxiety. I’d love to help you do the same.
I absolutely believe that anyone can recover from anxiety, with the right support and commitment to self. The reason I have chosen to disclose my own experiences are because I strongly feel that experiencing the deep pain that the emotional and physical spiral of anxiety can cause has offered up an important ingredient within my client work; knowing a similar experience to yours.
My personal background
Level 7 PGDip Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Distinction) - Staffordshire University
Post-Graduate qualification in Psychology - Northumbria University
BSc Sociology - University of Bath
Coaching Diploma - Animas Coaching
Yoga Teacher Training 200 hours - Rise Academy
Yin Teacher Training 50 hours - Rise Academy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Exposure and Response Therapy for OCD and Anxiety Disorders
Somatic Therapy
Walk and Talk training