Anna-Maria Anderson

I see clients on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and currently have limited availability. 

From September 2023 I will be available Wednesday mornings to see clients. 

Having a safe space away from the pressures of day-to-day life, to talk without judgement and concentrate fully on yourself can be a profound experience. You may be feeling overwhelmed about a situation, struggling mentally and in daily life, or wish to process and make sense of things that have happened in your past. Once we have established what has brought you to counselling, we can work together towards meeting your needs, at your own pace. Counselling is a space for reflection, exploration and an opportunity to deepen self-awareness, which is the catalyst for change.

I offer long and short-term counselling online, via Zoom. Clients can benefit from meeting virtually from the comfort of their own home and being able to choose whether to be able to see each other as you would face-to-face or turn the camera off. An internet connection is required and a safe and private place where you can talk freely. This way of working can be appealing, due to accessibility and time efficiency and reduces geographical constraints.

I am a fully qualified and insured counsellor, holding a Foundation Degree (Distinction) in Transactional Analysis in Humanistic Counselling (Level 5). I also hold a Level 4 qualification in Suicide Prevention, a Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling and have recently completed a TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism. I also hold Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Counselling Skills and a Transactional Analysis 101. I am wholeheartedly invested in a lifetime of learning and personal development and regularly undertake CPD.

My modality is Transactional Analysis, developed by Eric Berne. TA has been written to be understood by all, meaning concepts can be shared to aid client’s understanding of self and others. I may also use techniques from other modalities such as CBP, psychoeducation, Gestalt, or through creativity. My approach is tailored to each individual client based on their preferences and way of processing.

I work with clients to provide support through times of depression and feelings of hopelessness, towards feeling happier and more in control of their mental wellbeing. For those struggling with anxiety, I use a range of techniques to help them to feel calmer. Perhaps you are finding anger to be negatively impacting your behaviour and relationships and would like to gain more control. I also support clients who live with more complex mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder.

Those struggling within a relationship may find it helpful to explore and understand their thoughts and feelings, take a closer look at the dynamics of your relationship and work towards finding ways in which to reduce conflict. The aim for others may be to move towards healing after a break-up or divorce.

Most of us have experienced trauma of some kind and human beings can suffer layers of trauma of varying degrees. The impact of trauma may be outside of conscious awareness, or symptoms can be so severe that they impair a person’s ability to function and lead a happy life. Abuse of all forms in childhood and adulthood and traumatic life events can all be reasons for seeking the support of a counsellor. I can provide a safe way of working with trauma, in correspondence with an individual’s needs, whether that’s dealing with emotional pain, difficulty self-regulating, or breaking a cycle of unhealthy relationships.

I have also worked specifically in the field of addiction and feel very passionate about providing support to those struggling and to the families of those affected. Addiction is often a coping mechanism in response to an underlying issue and I offer the opportunity to look at ways of replacing unhealthy behaviours with healthy ways of coping and the opportunity for the client to look at what may lie beneath. Addiction can lead to pain, feelings of shame, confusion and disbelief. I can offer acceptance, empathy and a space to talk freely.

Initially, I will ask you to provide me with some insight of what has led you to seek counselling.  If you can provide some information on your intial email, this would be helpful.  It may also be helpful to have a chat via Zoom. 

During our first session I will complete an assessment with you.  This will help me to get to know you better and provide me with important information to aid our work together.