We recently connected with Anna Dobbs and have shared our conversation below.
Anna , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
For a long time, I was a mystery to even myself when it came to confidence and self-esteem. I had genuine confidence at times, while simultaneously the companionship of a very loud, harsh inner critic. I was confused by this until I began my own healing journey. Learning to be mindful and to listen to what I’m thinking, how am feeling and how I am experiencing those things in my body, has been life changing. I still struggle with confidence and self-esteem at times, but I also know that I don’t always have to ‘be perfect’. Instead of seeing mistakes or failure, I now see learning opportunities and useful information.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I love my work as a therapist. I love supporting people through the healing process as others have done for me. I never dreamed that when I started out 15 years ago, I would have the opportunity to not only work as a therapist, but to also have the chance to be a consultant, a speaker, a program developer and entrepreneur.
Like many people across the world, 2020 was a life changing year for me. While in the beginning of the pandemic, I became a 1st time mom. As I returned to work after maternity leave, I was promoted to ‘the job’ I had worked towards for so many years. Although there were many positives during this time, there were also many struggles. After two years, I found myself completely burnt out and past my limit. I wasn’t present. I had lost my spark. I had everything I thought I had ever wanted, but I was a shell of myself. That’s when I decided I had to make a change.
Even though it was extremely hard, I made several big changes. I began focusing on true self-care. During this time in my healing journey, I began investing in myself as a professional and pursuing certifications that spoke to my soul. During the last two years, I have added Perinatal Mental Health, Brainspotting, Cognitive Procession Therapy (CPT) and EMDR to my toolbox all of which support my passion to help those with trauma. Each new training has given me the chance to explore and hone my skill. Last year, I open my solo private practice, Anna Dobbs, PLLC in Bryant, AR.
Over the course of the last year, I have been able to develop psychoeducational trainings for both mental health professionals and non-professionals. These trainings have been influenced by my journey and what I have learned in regard to trauma, parenting, and burnt out.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Your greatest strength, can often be your greatest weakness. Learning the importance of saying ‘No’ and having balance.
Extremes can exist at the same time – I can love a person and be very angry with them. As humans, we are not ‘good’ or ‘bad’, we are both. The same is true for events – good, bad, who’s to say or as the new Bluey episode so beautifully puts it, ‘We’ll see”.
I feel like being true to myself and what I feel in my gut has always been a key to my journey. Trust your intuition.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Letting go of what I thought I wanted and learning to listen to what my body is telling me. Mindfulness is key and our bodies are amazing things. Emotions are the language of our bodies. When you feel anxious, angry, happy, etc., what is your body trying to tell you? When we can connect our thoughts, feelings and body sensations, we can unlock a deep level of healing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anna-dobbs-pllc.clientsecure.me/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Anna-Dobbs-Licensed-Professional-Counselor-100091802478254/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/anna-dobbs-bryant-ar/1052572
Image Credits
Stephen Evans @stephenevansmedia.com
