Counselling Psychologist
Dr Anna Shiekh
Anna has completed a Doctorate in Psychology. Anna combines evidence-based approaches with a solid therapeutic alliance with her patients.
Anna has a special interest and a great deal of experience in treating anxiety disorders, depression, low self-esteem, and trauma. She also has experience working with Psychosis, bipolar disorder, complex trauma, and severe anxiety.
During her training and work in the NHS, Anna gained invaluable experience with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), especially within the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service. She learnt to efficiently tailor CBT interventions to each individual, often within a brief therapy model. Working in this service, she worked with a diversed population, from those with mild anxiety and depressive disorders to more complex psychological needs. Beyond IAPT, her work in other NHS settings allowed her to delve deeper into CBT's adaptability, fine-tuning interventions for co-morbid conditions and chronic illnesses.
In her role as a psychologist, Anna has had the privilege of working with neurodivergent clients diagnosed with ADHD in the NHS and privately. Initially, many presented with challenges related to focus, impulsivity, and self-regulation, often impacting their personal, academic, and occupational spheres. Through a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tailored for ADHD and psychoeducation, she collaboratively worked on developing individualised coping strategies and harnessing her client's unique strengths.
Anna previously worked in an Oncology/Haematology Department with patients, providing individual patient support for those coping with cancer diagnoses, managing the effects of cancer treatments, and adjusting to life changes in work, social life, and relationships.
Anna has worked with couples and families using systemic therapy and with young people aged 13 and up.
Anna has vast experience in helping individuals from all backgrounds and ages with a wide variety of presentations, including:
- Bullying and school issues
- Academic performance
- Couples therapy
- Stress management
- ADHD and neurodivergent conditions
- OCD
- Depression
- Anxiety - Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety Disorder
- Panic attacks and Panic Disorder
- Phobias
- Depression
- Loss and bereavement
- Low self-esteem
- Long-term Health Conditions
- Workplace stress and performance stress
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, including childhood trauma
- Relationship Problems
- Self-criticism
- Sleep problems and Insomnia
- Psychosis
