Anja Schmidkunz

Psychologist (BA, GradDipPsych)

In sessions with me you can expect a nurturing and inquisitive approach that allows you to build a supportive relationship with yourself – enabling you to identify and communicate what you want in your relationships, your career and in other areas of your life. My priority is to create a safe and compassionate space, emphasising a human connection. I am passionate about working with anxious, shy, and introverted clients, especially those who may have never tried therapy. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to therapy, it’s a collaborative endeavour. As a team it’s our role to address the obstacles that get in the way of living life to the fullest. The work lies in helping you understand the interactions between your physical and emotional landscape, identifying deeply engrained patterns that may no longer be serving you. The goals we pursue are always tailored to your individual needs and we will work to build a toolbox that helps you achieve your goals using a range of information and evidence-based treatment modalities. From Mindfulness techniques and insights drawn from Neuroscience and Attachment Theory, we explore an array of methodologies. Additionally, I draw from frameworks such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ensuring a comprehensive approach. I also integrate perspectives from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing techniques, and Compassionate Inquiry.

In my 19 years of experience, I have worked with a diverse range of people across a number of clinical settings. My career started in the UK working in Forensics where I spent many years working in high security prisons, providing assessments and individual support and group work. My career then further evolved through several clinical and hospital settings, completing assessments, writing and facilitating group programs such as Anxiety, DBT, Bipolar and Drug & Alcohol groups. Finally, I found my place in the private practice arena focusing on individual client work in more holistic settings.

My curiosity for the mind and human behaviour started at an early age in a place I didn’t expect but led me to a lifelong exploration of what it means to be human. Eventually it resulted in me becoming a registered Psychologist. I was born to German parents but was raised in Asia. I have spent the last 20 years studying, working, and living across Australia and the UK, with a bit of travel in between. I am what they call a “Third Culture Kid,” raised in a culture and country significantly different from the homeland and culture of my parents. I am intimately familiar with questioning themes of belonging, identity, and navigating significant life transitions and the emotions that come with them.

Select a service and book an appointment with me using the booking form below. I look forward to working with you.