Anna Owens

Greetings! My name is Anna and I'm a licensed therapist, nurse practitioner, and musician. I have over 10 years of experience as generalist and over 7 years of specializing in narcissistic abuse, psychological indoctrination, breaking trauma bonds, and substance use. Most of my cases, especially with narcissistic abuse, are relatively complex with additional physical, emotional, and/or psychological concerns. My primary focus is on doing my very best to create a safe, warm, and open-minded environment while building a solid therapeutic relationship. I believe therapy is an art and a science. I'm naturally a creative and my experience as an advanced practice nurse has helped prepare me to bring the best of both worlds into my sessions. All of my experiences have taught me that no two people are the same, and it is vitally important to partner with clients and ensure their specific concerns are addressed in a personalized way.

I have a less formal, conversational approach while still using evidence-based treatment. I individualize treatment using many modalities and approach therapy as a collaborative effort. Active listening, psycho-education including teaching on the ability to self-challenge, sharing new coping skills, breaking out of negative thought/emotion patterns, learning to listen to the body, practicing staying in the present, and personalized topic focused homework are all foundational aspects of my approach.

The first session with anyone is typically the most difficult, but beginning from the perspective of non-judgmental partnership tends to help clients make therapeutic progress while building our alliance. The teamwork established in the first session often sets the tone for the course of treatment. I tend to approach the first session as if I am a supportive detective. By the end of session one, I strive to have an individualized and collaborative treatment plan in place with at least some interventions and topic-based work to guide us along the way. While I think structure is necessary, I also think working together in flow and being free enough to pivot in any moment is just as important; likewise, session work combined with daily, consistent reinforcement when implementing change typically helps clients progress more quickly and effectively. The push and pull of therapy is in the art, and most clients notice that even during session one.