About me and the therapy I offer.
My name is Michal Ann and for many years I have worked as a therapist within the NHS in primary care. I also provide supervision. I trained as an integrative counsellor in 2007 and went on to complete a post-graduate diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in 2012.
As an accredited member of the BACP and BABCP I adhere to their guiding principles and ethical framework. I maintain my skills and knowledge through continual professional development and frequent supervision.
You can read more about the type of therapies I will use in our work together, such as counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and the process of change here
As an accredited member of the BACP and BABCP I adhere to their guiding principles and ethical framework. I maintain my skills and knowledge through continual professional development and frequent supervision.
You can read more about the type of therapies I will use in our work together, such as counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and the process of change here
My Accreditation
My journey to a career in counselling
I have always been interested in psychology and understanding what makes me ‘tick’. In my twenties, having completed my behavioural sciences degree, I soon learnt that theory is only helpful if it is translated into practice.
My twenties were full of changes and challenges which included facing up to my addictions, anxieties and unhealthy relationships. During this time I also lost my dad to cancer and later my mother to a motor neurone disease. I took a break from a career in counselling so that I might address these issues in my life and recover from the loss.
I’m so glad I took the time to invest in myself, I learnt so much from the experience. Turning the mirror around to look at myself, to look at what I was doing and why I was reacting, was both frightening and freeing. It enabled me to let go of what I thought ‘I should be’ and embrace who and what I am. I also learnt so many practical ways to navigate my way through everyday situations, situations which used to baffle and batter me. I learnt how to move towards the future I wanted for myself, overcoming the obstacles that I put in my way.
The experiences in my 20’s may have been underserved and unwanted, but they were also an opportunity to change and grow. Today I can look back and be grateful to those who helped me through this time. They gave me the gift of their wisdom, guidance, experience, compassion and time. As a therapist I try to embody this knowledge and experience and to honour the gift that is therapy.
I have always been interested in psychology and understanding what makes me ‘tick’. In my twenties, having completed my behavioural sciences degree, I soon learnt that theory is only helpful if it is translated into practice.
My twenties were full of changes and challenges which included facing up to my addictions, anxieties and unhealthy relationships. During this time I also lost my dad to cancer and later my mother to a motor neurone disease. I took a break from a career in counselling so that I might address these issues in my life and recover from the loss.
I’m so glad I took the time to invest in myself, I learnt so much from the experience. Turning the mirror around to look at myself, to look at what I was doing and why I was reacting, was both frightening and freeing. It enabled me to let go of what I thought ‘I should be’ and embrace who and what I am. I also learnt so many practical ways to navigate my way through everyday situations, situations which used to baffle and batter me. I learnt how to move towards the future I wanted for myself, overcoming the obstacles that I put in my way.
The experiences in my 20’s may have been underserved and unwanted, but they were also an opportunity to change and grow. Today I can look back and be grateful to those who helped me through this time. They gave me the gift of their wisdom, guidance, experience, compassion and time. As a therapist I try to embody this knowledge and experience and to honour the gift that is therapy.