Ann Booker
I am Accredited with BABCP, Registered and Accredited with BACP. From 2011 to 2019, I worked as a High Intensity CBT Psychotherapist in the NHS. I have been in Private Practice as a Counsellor and Psychotherapist for many years, and more recently have blended CBT into my Integrative Approach.
I am passionate about integrating my instinctive sensing with my toolkit of CBT techniques and strategies to find constructive pathways to work with each person in their unique way of being. I aim to provide Empathy and Compassion in each therapeutic relationship, and strongly believe this is the key to positive outcomes.
My Experience
The workings of the human mind always held a fascination for me, I longed to understand more and be able to work in this field from my teenage years. It did not become a reality until later in life when I was able to come to the profession bringing a wealth of life and workplace experiences, and a strong desire to help others.
I qualified as a Person-Centred counsellor in 2003 after a four-year Diploma training. I gained experience counselling in a range of services including a Drug and Alcohol Service, a Young Persons’ Service, and a MIND Counselling Service. I also set up my own Private Practice. I worked for Parentline- Plus, both on their Helpline and as a telephone counsellor, for four years, gaining valuable experience in helping people to manage tricky relationships.
I found myself always researching and experimenting with different ways of working as a therapist and went on to train as a Relational Integrative Psychotherapist, qualifying in 2011 after a four-year Postgraduate Diploma. This training covered a wide range of theoretical approaches and models, including Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt and many more.
I was already working as an NHS Counsellor, and as soon as the Integrative training was completed, I was offered the opportunity to undertake High Intensity CBT Training as part of a new NHS post, where I remained for a further seven years after qualifying.
During my role in the NHS, I developed my skills and knowledge of evidence-based, modern methods of working, adding Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).
Within the service I developed a pathway for clients with Autism Spectrum Conditions and I have a special interest in working with this group and their families.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Postgraduate Diploma (Merit) in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy from Royal Holloway University (2013)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy from Metanoia Institute/ Middlesex University (2012)
- Diploma in Counselling from Middlesex University (2003)
- Certificate in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy & Jungian Analytical Psychology from a Contemporary Relational Perspective (2018 – 2019) – Metanoia Institute
AFFILIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
- British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
- British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
WHO I WORK WITH
I work with anyone over the age of sixteen. Individuals and Couples. I work with all forms of psychological distress and/or long-term health conditions or injuries. I have specific training (CBT) in working with the full range of anxiety disorders and depression. I am also pleased to work with those who are dissatisfied with life and wish to ‘work on themselves’ and those who find difficulties in one or more of their relationships.
Many of the people I see have experienced trauma of one kind or another and I have a particular interest in this area.
I welcome young people and adults with Autistic Spectrum Conditions and their family members -and those who think they may be on the spectrum.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
My approach to working therapeutically draws on my original training in Person-Centred counselling – offering the basic conditions of Empathy, Genuineness and Acceptance; adding in my second major training in Integrative Psychotherapy, which enables individuality in selecting from a range of models and theories to tailor a therapy to suit the client. Finally, my CBT training provides a large set of strategies and techniques which can be drawn upon when needed and included in the individualised approach.
I am passionate about integrating my instinctive sensing of what is needed (or not needed) with my toolkit of CBT techniques and strategies to find constructive pathways to work with each person in their unique way of being. I aim to provide empathy and compassion in each therapeutic relationship, and strongly believe this is the key to positive outcomes.
AVAILABILITY
I work between the hours of 8am-6pm Mondays to Thursdays on the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border; Chesham, Amersham, Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead, Aylesbury, and surrounding areas.
Please contact the team for current, specific times available for appointments.
My Clinics
Chesham Clinic
Broadview
The Vale
Chesham
HP5 3NS