Anna Reali

Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychotherapist

I am a psychotherapist and supervisor specialising in working in education and the charity sector. I work with children, young people, adults and families. I consider therapy to be a genuinely creative space where people can discover themselves in often new and unexpected ways.

My therapeutic approach is broadly psychodynamic, but interventions are always adapted to the individual needs of those people who come to see me. I pay attention to what may be going on under the surface and to the ways past experiences can shape our current lives. Most importantly, I aim to develop a therapeutic relationship that is collaborative, caring and trusting.

Since an early age I have been interested in the narratives that we create about ourselves and the world around us and how these narratives impact on our sense of self, drive us or inhibit us as we grow up. By paying attention to our inner experience in relation to our living environments, psychodynamic therapy has the potential to bring these stories and conflicts to the surface where they can be held and understood. The fixed narrative changes through this exploration and becomes more flexible, kinder and compassionate.

My professional experience is broad and includes managing a therapy service in a large school in East London, working as a team leader for the charity Blue Smile in Cambridge, providing reflective practice to individuals and groups, and counselling University staff and students for several years.

I have a particular interest in interpersonal, intercultural and relationship issues, the impact of life challenges and transitions on our sense of self, issues with self-worth and loss of meaning in life. I have substantial experience with young people who may struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, low self-esteem, loss and bereavement, parental separation, issues with identity and belonging. 

Initial consultation

Before committing to a course of therapy, I suggest a first meeting with me, called an ‘initial consultation’. This meeting offers an opportunity to explore what counselling or longer-term therapy might be like and how it could help.

Following the meeting we can decide whether to continue with further sessions, based on what has been discussed and if we think that we are a good therapeutic fit.

Supervision

Quality supervision is vital to promote our ability to think clearly, to prevent burnout, to help us develop emotional containment and develop self-awareness.

My experience as a supervisor is extensive and includes working with individuals and groups, from trainees to senior practitioners, including Heads of Wellbeing. I currently supervise for the Cogwheel charity and I am an approved supervisor for the Faculty of Education in Cambridge and Birkbeck in London.

In addition to clinical supervision I offer reflective practice to promote the mental health and wellbeing of staff working in schools, University and other work environments. 

For further information please see my profile at

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/supervisor_52848.html

Parent Consultations

Being a parent or carer can be a most fulfilling experience but it can also bring up challenges along the way. Many parents value an opportunity to reflect about what is going on within the family with someone who is not directly involved and can provide a different perspective on certain behaviours or emotional difficulties.

I work with parents and carers to explore their experience of parenting, to improve communication and emotional connection, and to identify effective tools to manage difficulties. The feedback that I received from parents confirms that even a single consultation can be extremely beneficial. 

Qualifications

•   Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, ECPS

•   MSc with distinction in Psychodynamic Counselling with Children and Adolescents from Birkbeck, London

•   Diploma in Supervision (Integrative), Cambridge Supervision Training, ASIIP

•   Traumatic Bereavement: Working Therapeutically with Children and Young People, Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families

•   'Couples as Parents and Parents as Couples' (3-months course), Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust

•   Advanced Training in Group Processes, OPUS, London

I am a fully accredited member of the BPC (British Psychoanalytical Council) and a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)

I have a current DBS certificate and regular supervision for all my practice