Anna Kelner

 In my early thirties, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition during a period of big life change. I soon discovered that my physical symptoms wouldn’t stabilize until I also worked on the anxiety that had always plagued me. In working on my anxiety, I also found my way back to physical health. After that experience, I vowed that I would help others find their own unique paths to healing.

I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I especially appreciate clients who want to get to know themselves better, and who are willing to experiment with ways to improve their lives outside of session.

Healing takes time, and rarely follows a straightforward or linear path. Be patient with yourself and the process! However, the therapeutic relationship itself––the connection between a therapist and client––can also help you feel better. Sharing what’s going on in a therapeutic space that feels safe, trusting, and respectful can go a long way in the healing process.

I find people fascinating, and in early sessions, I will be genuinely curious about you and your life! We’ll start by exploring what is bringing you to therapy, and on what place your current challenges have in your life story. In a first session, you can expect to cover some nuts and bolts on the therapy process. In subsequent sessions, I’ll listen closely, respond to what I hear, and ask questions to gently guide you to explore what’s bringing you to therapy. We’ll also start to brainstorm about practices and habits you might use outside of session to help feel better.

I practice chi gong, meditation, and breathwork. I understand my practice as a therapist as an extension of my mindfulness practice, and strive to meet each client in a spirit of kindness, calm, and non-judgmental compassion. My years in literary studies, as a teacher and scholar, also inform my therapy practice. Studying literature taught me to listen closely to clients’ stories, to respond on an intuitive and emotional level to what I hear. But don’t worry—I won’t be grading you or assigning homework!

I believe that you are the expert on your own life. As a therapist, it is my job to help you unlock your innate capacity to heal. I will follow your lead in helping you explore what is bringing you to therapy, and in experimenting with what habits and practices you might use outside of session to help feel better. If something does not work for you, do not be afraid to tell me! We’ll work together to find something that does.