Anna Taft
Hi there, I'm Anna! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in Ohio, with 10 years of experience in the field. I specialize in the treatment of OCD, anxiety disorders, and LGBTQ+/gender-affirming care.
I'm well-versed in a variety of treatment modalities and experienced in working with a wide spectrum of mental health concerns. I'm compassionate and understanding, but I'm also willing to challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors in ways that are motivating, tactful, and encouraging.
I have experience treating these concerns as well as a wide range of other mental health issues in an ever-changing, highly imperfect world that I know can feel difficult, if not impossible, to navigate. I believe therapy is sacred work in the sense that to witness another person's story, pain, and experiences is a privilege that I work hard to earn. Your story and your trust are your own, and it is my goal to create a space where you feel comfortable and safe sharing it while we work towards meaningful change.
First session
In our first session, I immediately check in on how you're feeling. Sharing your struggles with a stranger can feel very overwhelming, and I want to make the process as comfortable as possible for you. Then, we will explore your current stressors, symptoms, historical information, and what you wish to gain from therapy. If you know, you can tell me what you like in a therapist and what you don't like. Your past experiences with therapy, whether positive or negative, are very important in informing my approach. I'll also introduce you to myself, the techniques/modalities that I utilize, and allow you time to ask me any questions you might have. This will help us create an individualized treatment plan that fits you and your needs.
Strengths
I meet my clients where they are. If you tell me who you are and what you need, I believe you. I trust that you are the expert on your own life, and I make it a priority to listen to your needs, concerns, and feelings while providing validation and positive regard. I'm creative in tailoring my approach to the person who matters most: you. I'm well-versed in a variety of treatment modalities and experienced in working with a wide spectrum of mental health concerns, allowing me to adapt to your needs, life circumstances, and where you are in your journey. I'm a bit of a chameleon. I'm compassionate and understanding, but I'm also willing to challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors in ways that are motivating, tactful, and encouraging. I'm genuine and results-driven because I want to see you make meaningful progress, so I won't shy away from encouraging you to step outside your comfort zone. While I take my work seriously, I don't know that I necessarily take myself too seriously. I'm down-to-earth, open-minded, curious, and passionate about the things that matter to me. I enjoy deep, meaningful conversations, appreciate humor, and believe there's room for both laughter and tears in therapy.
Ideal clients
I particularly enjoy working with individuals navigating OCD, anxiety disorders, panic, and phobias, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community. I provide gender-affirming care and strive to create a space where everyone feels accepted, supported, and free to be themselves. That said, I find it rewarding to work with individuals from all walks of life, and have experience treating many mental health concerns. Of note, I enjoy working with individuals experiencing addiction, depression, mood disorders, and those working to heal from trauma. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about your direction, I want to help you find greater stability, fulfillment, and confidence in who you are. My goal is to help you enjoy the present, build toward the future you want, and connect with your authentic self.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that uses mindfulness and acceptance strategies to help people adapt to challenges in life. ACT is based on the idea that negative emotions like grief, pain, and anxiety are inevitable parts of life. The goal of ACT is to help people develop psychological flexibility so they can adapt to these challenges instead of trying to suppress or eliminate them. My favorite part of ACT is how it centers the client's values and explores what is important to them in many different areas of life. This helps us feel more connected to ourselves in the choices we make.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that combines cognitive therapy and behavior therapy to help people manage mental health issues. CBT is based on the idea that how people think about situations can affect their feelings and behaviors. The language we use to describe what is happening in our lives actually makes a huge difference. CBT therapists help people identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, learn self-help strategies, and change their behavior, ultimately increasing positive feelings.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people who experience emotions intensely manage their feelings and make positive life changes. It's based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, DBT can also be useful for treating a wide range of other mental health conditions. Its cornerstones are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. If you feel emotions very deeply and feel that your emotions often control your actions or get out of control, DBT could be quite helpful.
Eclectic
Therapy not one-size-fits-all. Eclectic therapy, also known as integrative or multi-modal therapy, is a flexible and personalized approach to psychotherapy that combines multiple theoretical approaches and techniques to address a patient's needs. Eclectic therapists draw from a variety of disciplines and consider the patient's unique circumstances, including their goals, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses, to create a customized treatment plan. I often check in on client's progression on their goals, collaborate with them, and work to tailor my approach to best suit the person in front of me.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy, particularly for OCD and anxiety. It helps you gradually face the thoughts, situations, or uncertainties that trigger anxiety while learning to resist the urges to avoid, escape, or engage in behaviors that temporarily relieve that anxiety, but ultimately lead to no lasting improvement. Although this process can feel uncomfortable at times, it's based around you and meets you where you are. Rather than spending months trying coping skill after coping skill, ERP helps you create a different relationship with fear, often leading to meaningful relief and progress in a shorter amount of time. The goal is to no longer let anxiety or OCD control you and empower you to live life on your terms instead.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- OhioLicense E.2001941