About Me

Ann Biddle

MSc, CTA, PGCDipCouns, Pract.NLP, Registered MBACP (Accred)

My Professional Journey

Before training as a psychotherapist, I had a corporate career in coaching, training and management, where I learned some useful skills and developed an interest in the psychology of performance and development.

Then, in my late 30’s, I experienced a very difficult period of my life. I had four significant bereavements, my long-term relationship ended and a major re-organisation happened at work which meant spending long periods away from home, all within the space of a few years. Feeling overwhelmed, I sought counselling for the first time to help me through it.

My counsellor provided a safe space for me to talk about everything that had happened, to explore the impact on me and to process my feelings. It helped in ways I had not expected – not just in coming to terms with the emotional and practical aftermath of these life events, but also in getting to know myself better through the process. I felt that I grew as a person and it opened up new possibilities for me. Around this time I was also studying for my NLP Practitioner Certificate and became increasingly interested in the therapeutic applications of what I was learning.

This period in my life proved to be a catalyst, forcing a pause and causing me to reflect on my values, re-evaluate my career and consider the path I wanted to take. It was a journey that eventually led me to make the decision to train as a psychotherapist, a role that I love and where I can make a difference.

My “Therapeutic Toolbox”

During my seven-year psychotherapy training I learned a wide range of therapeutic methods and since qualifying I have kept adding to my “therapeutic toolbox” though continuing professional development so I can provide a flexible, integrated therapy model, tailored to suit your needs.

All the methods I use are very practical and have straightforward, useful models that we can use to understand ourselves, our communication and others better. My aim is that you leave therapy with a “therapeutic toolbox” of your own that will support you in your journey through life.

My Approach & Philosophy

I work on the basis that:

  • Everyone is fundamentally OK.
  • Everyone has the capacity to think and feel.
  • People make decisions (mostly unconsciously) as they go through life that affect how they think, feel and behave.
  • We can change those decisions that are no longer useful to us and change the way we think, feel and behave for the better.
  • We do not have to let the past dictate our future – whatever has happened in the past, we can change how our life will be from now on.

I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and compassion.

I was born in the Midlands but also lived in other parts of the country, both north and south, in my early life. I eventually settled somewhere in the middle and have now lived in Nottingham for over 30 years. I enjoy photography and countryside walks with friends, I like animals and have a cat who is very vocal and shares his opinions often.

Contact me

Qualifications & Training

I hold the following qualifications:

  • MSc in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy
  • Certified Transactional Analyst (Psychotherapy)
  • Postgraduate Clinical Diploma in Counselling
  • Foundation Certificate in Transactional Analysis (TA) Psychotherapy
  • Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • NLP Practitioner Certificate
  • Certificate in Life Coaching and an NLP Coaching Diploma

I have also undertaken significant CPD (continuous professional development) training in various forms of trauma therapy, life and business/executive coaching, bereavement counselling, working with phobias and clinical hypnosis.

I regularly undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to further develop my skills and stay up to date with current issues and methods, working with regular supervision in line with BACP professional guidelines.

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Professional Standards

I am a Registered and Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the leading professional organisation in the UK. I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework, which sets out standards of ethical and professional practice.

I am also listed on the BACP’s Accredited Voluntary Register (AVR). AVRs are accredited by the Professional Standards Authority as part of a scheme set up by the Government to improve standards and safety for the benefit of the public. Signing up to the AVR demonstrates my commitment to high professional standards, ensuring client safety and delivering a quality service.

More information on the BACP, including details of the Ethical Framework, is available from the BACP website.