About Anna

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.Training and professional affiliations:Internal Family Systems - Level 1
Internal Family Systems Skills Immersion (Stephanie Mitchell, Connection Heals)
Trauma Through a Child's Eyes (Maggie Kline, Conscious Connections)
Master of Social Work (Applied)
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Fully Registered Social Worker (New Zealand) with current practicing certificate (SWRB)
Full Member of Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work Association (ANZASW)

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Attune to kids

Much of my work life has included children. A defining experience was working for an NGO that ran a residential summer camp and year round programmes for children who had emotional, social and behavioural challenges. I got to know these kids well, living with them for weeks and providing day to day care. Seeing their inherent joy, creativity and skill was precious learning; every child, regardless of perceived difficulties, possesses a multitude of facets and capabilities.Further experience came from my role as a social worker in schools where a significant part of my time was spent in a therapeutic and counselling relationship with children (and their families) as well as running early intervention and prevention group programmes.My ongoing pursuit of understanding and connecting with children has shaped my university and professional development choices. And of course having my own kids provided unforeseen learning and practical application of my experience.Parenting can be demanding, especially when a child is distressed and/or challenging. This can strain family relationships and create stress. Although children have a wonderful capacity for change and growth sometimes professional support is needed to facilitate this.I am skilled in building rapport with children and families and collaborating to identify areas of concern, and approaches for change. Working at the pace of the child is important to me, as is listening carefully, respecting and believing them. I strive to create a space where they feel safe, can be themselves and where all of their emotions, beliefs and behaviours are welcome.Early intervention is ideal so take action now for the well-being of both you and your child.My police vetting is up to date and I hold a current annual practicing certificate with the Social Work Registration Board (#5460).I work out of my home office / play room but can also visit your home, school or work.Send me an email ([email protected]) to further discuss your child's needs.

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Attune to teens

The years of adolescence can be amazing times filled with foundational experiences, learning, friendships and relationships. Some find this time can go more smoothly but it is not easy for anyone.We all know there is so much going on in changing bodies, developing brains and a shift from total reliance on family to exploring who you are, who you want to be and how to belong in the world.Managing so many different pressures may be daunting and difficult. Some young people find all of this harder and have bigger and more challenging concerns.My job is to work with young people on the everyday stuff as well as the big stuff.I will work with you to get to know what is most important to you, what you want to change or improve or understand about yourself better.If bad things have happened to you I can work with you so you do not have to carry the impacts any longer.It is ok to have strong emotions, behaviours, reactions - we can work with these not against them.If you feel better on the inside, the outside world can be a bit easier.Doing this work now can change the rest of your life…Send me an email ([email protected]) to further discuss your teen’s needs.

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