Ana Cooper

I am a BACP Accredited Integrative Psychotherapist, with over 25 years’ experience, having worked in front-line NHS services (Hospitals and GP surgeries) and in private practice.   The three issues I am most proficient in are anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties.

I chose an Integrative training, because I am curious and open-minded about what works, and because research has proven that no one theory is in fact more effective than the others.  The effectiveness of therapy depends on the quality of the therapeutic relationship, and, I would argue, the experience of the therapist.

I meet people from different cultural backgrounds and life stages, with different belief and value systems, so it makes sense to have a versatile tool kit.  But, whilst various approaches and new research findings continue to inform my thinking, I have developed my own way of working, which is authentic, fluid, and collaborative.  There is no power imbalance in our therapeutic encounter.

I read a lot and attend as many pioneering conferences in my field as I can, but I have also become militant about self-care.  And I urge my Clients to do the same.  Mindfulness, meditation, gardening and animals are currently what works best for me, but that may change…

If you come to me – albeit remotely – you will be heard and taken seriously.  You will never be judged and no assumptions will be made of you.  Everything you say will be treated with respect and held in absolute confidence.  Together, we will rediscover the inner power you somehow lost along your way, and we will harness it to face the battle ahead.  You will remember or learn how to become more robust and adaptive.  And, hopefully, you will emerge as the hero or heroine of your life, rather than the victim you came as.