About Anya

Welcome to Art Forms The Mind! I am a UKCP Registered and qualified Integrative Arts Psychotherapist.

I am a lifelong learner, and I enjoy reading, art, music, longboarding, hiking, and taking long rural walks! I reside in a cottage that is being renovated in the Buckinghamshire countryside with my partner, two children and two cats. We are part of a co-parenting family, with a mixed Indian and English heritage.

I identify as a Brown cisgender woman and a spiritual non-practicing Sikh. I come from a diaspora family, with parents who were born and raised in East Africa and had to relocate to the UK in the 1970s. I was born and raised in East London, growing up hearing a mix of English, Punjabi and Swahili. My ancestors were from Amritsar and Lahore before the partition of India.

My family’s migration history means that I deeply emphasise with people from communities who have had to relocate due to political circumstances, and the struggle that can arise with experiencing a mix of intersecting cultures.

I believe that being authentic to your core self is vital. Sometimes life pulls us in different directions, and this can leave us feeling disintegrated. I have worked on this too, through ten years of personal therapy as part of my own process, and it’s what I offer to people – alignment and exploration of who you really are.

Therapists Challenging Racism and Oppression: The unheard voices. Edited by Neelam Zahid and Rachel Cooke.

I was asked to co-write a chapter, giving voice to experiences that I have seen within the NHS as a therapist. The book, which features powerful, first-person accounts of oppression from counsellors and therapists within the talking therapies profession can be purchased from Amazon (click here).

Being Raw by Anya Alchemist

I create grungy, distorted, mixed media abstract art that explores our humanity. I previously created and published a book of my artwork and poetry, which you can find on Amazon (click here). I care deeply about the human condition and how our own experiences impact the lives we lead and the conscious and subconscious actions we take.

Creativity and communication have always been my lifeline, and have formed an essential part of my growth and development.

I have worked in the NHS and charity sector, specialising in supporting people with eating disorders, dark thoughts, PTSD/CPTSD. I previously worked in the creative industry for over 17 years, after completing a degree in Creative Design with Marketing (BA Hons). I gained experience in marketing, design and advertising, eventually owning a business and managing a team for 8 years. During that time I put a considerable amount of energy into creative communication, and how we as humans can grow and expand our thinking using creative tools. I developed an artistic way to improve self-development and motivation in the workplace, which I called the Value Added Human method. I now utilise this in my own practice, whilst facilitating people on their own journey's alongside continuing to further my research.

I am passionate about empowering people to reach their potential, improve their mental health and wellbeing. I am a fully qualified Integrative Arts Psychotherapist (MA with Distinction). I have a Postgraduate Certificate in the Therapeutic and Educational Application of the Arts and a Certificate in Counselling Skills and Facilitation. I am registered with the UKCP and HCPC.

I use my skills and knowledge to facilitate people on their journey to self-awareness through one-to-one, training and group sessions.

Take a look around and enjoy your visit!

Anya

Book Your Free Consultation

If you would like to work with me please fill in the form below and I will get back to you with availability. Alternatively, you can also email me on anya@artformsthemind.com or message/call me on 07500877996. As it can be daunting meeting a new therapist for the first time, I will contact you to arrange a FREE introductory session. The meeting will give you more information, the chance to ask questions, talk about any challenges arising in your life and give you the choice of working together. I look forward to welcoming you!