Tēnā koe (greetings, hello),
Ko Anna toku ingoa (my name is Anna). I grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and am still based here with my whānau / family, a garden and four chickens.
My career began in a variety of caring and administrative roles in Aotearoa New Zealand, and overseas, after studying psychology at university. This provided me with a good understanding of people, cultural differences and organisations. Completing a masters degree in social work saw me transition to the health and school sectors. Through these experiences I have gained knowledge of, and compassion for, working with people in regards to ages and stages, development, life transitions, extreme emotions, challenging behaviours and abuse.
I was passionate about my work in the community but following time raising my own family I now work in private practice where I draw on my prior work and enhanced it with IFS.
The common theme throughout my working life is a passion for building trusting, caring therapeutic relationships. I approach therapy from the perspective that you are the expert of you and your experiences. I will respect you, really listen to you and work as a guide to change and healing.
I have always taken a holistic approach to people, and consider it vital to be inclusive of mind, body, spirit, family and place. IFS is special in that it allows for these various aspects of a person to be explored, strengthened and healed when needed. Additionally, my view of individuals is underpinned by consideration for systems, societal structures, power, and inequity.
Reflective practice is a cornerstone of social work and this inner awareness has contributed to my IFS journey. I attend IFS therapy to further get to know my internal system and undergo personal healing.
My practice is informed by my interest in neuroscience, polyvagal theory and nervous system physiology. This science explains what may be happening biologically but in practice this translates to the importance I give to creating a safe and non-judgmental space for you to be comfortable and share at your own pace.
Please contact me to arrange a free 15 minute chat to ask any questions and explore what you are looking for in therapy.
Hei konā mai (goodbye for now).
Nā Anna
