Anna Bough
Clinical Psychologist
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Psychology (Clinical
Psychology)
Pronouns: She/her
Three beliefs that colour the way I work with my clients:
I believe…
That having hope and being endlessly curious can lead to what’s genuinely
important to each of us.
I believe…
There is value in learning to sit in our own skin.
I believe…
That nobody has it all figured out, but that through supportive sharing we can find
ways to make sense of where we’ve come from, and where we’d like to go.
Get to know me
My secret talent:
Making an excellent brew of loose-leaf tea – the more tannins the better! And resuscitating houseplants.
What’s it like to be in a room with me?
I am a compassionate and good-humoured therapist who believes in meeting people where they are, without judgement or expectation. I see therapy as a space where you can show up exactly as you are, whether that means feeling stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain or even unsure where to begin. The most important part is showing up. It’s a courageous step to seek help and I aim to make it as comfortable as possible. My style is warm, practical and flexible with a mix of deep listening, thoughtful questions and sometimes a touch of humour to help navigate the “curveballs” life might throw our way. I think it is essential to create a safe supportive space where you can be real, including sharing your hardest thoughts and feelings. Whatever is on your mind – big or small – there’s room for it here. My hope is that, in our time together we can work collaboratively to clear the way for you to live with more balance, hope and authenticity.
What’s my non-negotiable when it comes to taking care of my own mental health?
Regular beach walks with good company (may have 2 legs or 4), curling up with a good book and enjoying a good belly laugh with friends.
My life motto:
‘The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can
change’ (Carl Rogers)
My background and experience
I have over 13 years’ experience working as a group and individual psychologist. Prior to my registration as a clinical psychologist, I worked as a social worker in community health and homeless services. I have had extensive experience in working with addiction and mental health.
I provide neuroaffirming care.
I can help you with:
- ADHD
- Adjusting to a new country and culture
- Adjustments to stressful life changes
- Anger management
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Binge eating disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Body image and appearance related concerns
- Bulimia
- Childhood trauma
- Communication skills
- Complex trauma
- Depression
- Distress intolerance
- Drug and alcohol issues
- Emotional difficulties
- Family issues
- Fertility
- Generalised anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Identity issues
- Impulse control
- Internet and game addiction
- Job or study dissatisfaction
- Learning difficulties
- Obsessions and compulsions
- Panic attacks
- Parenting
- Perfectionism
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Porn addiction
- Pre and postnatal mental health
- Relationship difficulties
- Self-development
- Self-esteem
- Sexuality
- Sexual assault
- Sleep problems
- Social anxiety
- Stress and burnout
- Support for abusive relationships
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress
- Wellbeing and self-care
- Women’s health issues
My therapeutic approaches
Depending on my client’s needs and preferences I use a variety of evidence-based approaches including:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Attachment therapy
- Client-centred therapy
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Compassion-based approaches
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy principles
- Emotion-Focused Therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Narrative Therapy
- Prolonged Exposure
- Psychodynamic approaches
- Solution-focused therapy
- Strengths-based approaches
- Trauma informed practice