Anya Amrith
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Welcome! I’m Anya. I offer one-to-one therapy sessions for anyone aged 16+. I hold an enhanced DBS. I work in a trauma-informed way that is safe, gentle and compassionate. I provide a contained space for you to explore at your own pace. My experience includes working in the NHS with eating disorders, sexual abuse, autism/ADHD, trauma, chronic anxiety and depression. I specialise in working with people who have trauma, relational issues, have developed coping mechanisms that no longer serve them well, people who have experienced a lack of emotional connection from parents, women’s sexual liberation following trauma, suspected or diagnosed neurodiversity and feelings of guilt/shame/paranoia. Together, we can work towards real change.
What may be bringing you to seek therapy
Life can be challenging. Maybe you feel different from your peers, and this may be a feeling that reaches as far back as childhood. It may feel like something is holding you back, or perhaps you can’t feel yourself really living. As stress and anxiety increases, coping mechanisms get stronger and these may be negatively impacting your life. Parts of you may feel empty or disconnected whilst you function through your daily life. You may have dark or intrusive thoughts. Talking can be hard to do, even with those around you.
How I work
I work in a relational way using humanistic, psychoanalytical and psychodynamic theories. Each session is individual to the clients needs. I explore alongside clients using imagery to gently identify experiences that words are difficult to define. By using a more integrative and collaborative approach, I facilitate people to explore any issues that may be arising in a safe, grounded space. I use a dual processing technique. This includes talking in addition to the client’s choice of working with postcards/objects, marks or words on paper, or a song that resonates with you. You may just want to talk.
The process is about empowering you in your life. Together, we work to discover and understand the different parts of yourself past and present. By facilitating communication with these various aspects of yourself, we can begin to understand what is hindering or blocking you in the present and where coping mechanisms originated. Real and meaningful transformation happens over a period of time, and it’s important to me that change is sustainable and not superficial. We can develop new ways for you to manage through life and build self-efficacy.
What I can help with
I support adults and young people impacted by sexual abuse, eating disorders (purging, binging and restricting), emotional neglect, autism, ADHD, stress from university, life or work, relationship issues, depression or anxiety; and people who struggle with self-esteem, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, body image, self-hatred and self-harm. I work with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Neurodivergence, diversity and inclusion is important to me.
Introduction and first session
I start each session by grounding you in the here and now. I then give you the space to talk about what’s arising in your life, and what you are keen to explore further in our session together. I slowly guide you to choose any creative materials or objects I have in the room. If we are working online, we work with images I send through or anything that you have around you. I find this process works effectively alongside talking. It's also ok if you would just like to talk. The session is about communication rather than output, simple marks, words on paper or an image in your mind can be a very impactful way to communicate. Even using a kitchen utensil as an object can enlighten us both as to what’s going on inside for you! We may work on a particular aspect over several sessions, and I work at a pace that aids you best.
As it can be daunting meeting a new therapist for the first time, I offer a free introductory consultation. The meeting will give you the chance to ask questions, talk about any issues arising in your life, help me to understand you and give you the choice of working with me. I look forward to welcoming you!
Training, qualifications & experience
Masters Degree with Distinction in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy (HCPC & UKCP registered) - The Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education, Accredited by The University of East London (UEL)
Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic and Educational Application of the Arts - The Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education, Islington
Certificate in Counselling Skills and Facilitation - The Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education, Islington
Co-author of the chapter ‘Racism and coercive control in an NHS-funded service’ in the published book ‘Therapists Challenging Racism and Oppression: The Unheard Voices’ (PCCS Books).
Experience
I have worked in the NHS in an eating disorder service with complex trauma. Prior to this, I worked in an NHS service where people were sectioned under the Mental Health Act, and in the charity sector supporting Mind and local charities. I specialise in supporting people with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder or ARFID and other specified feeding and eating disorder or OSFED), dark thoughts, PTSD/CPTSD and childhood emotional neglect. I run training and groups for local charities, including adults who are carers for disabled children.
Post graduating, I have continued my professional development by completing training in:
- Complex trauma and dissociation
- DBT skills development
- Sexual trauma
- Disordered eating
- The advancement of neuroscience
- Psychosexual training (moving beyond sexual trauma and towards sexual pleasure)
I actively continue to advance my skills in training, reading and following research.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£70.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
If you need a concession rate, please reach out with any questions. It's important to me that therapy is sustainable. The process is about supporting you in your life, and I am aware that real change takes time and commitment. I want the process to be as financially manageable as possible.
When I work
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Please contact me for availability.
Further information
I offer in-person or online sessions for adults and young people. Contact me today for availability and book your free intro session. I work in a trauma-informed way using humanistic, psychoanalytical and psychodynamic theories. By integrating theories, I can work in a relational way that is individual to each client and their needs. In working together and grounding in the here and now, we navigate and explore your experiences to encourage personal growth and empowerment in your life.
