About Annie
Home - About Annie
A little about me
Life beyond my
practice
Originally from southern Ireland, I have lived in London and Devon for more than 40 years. I am a wife and mother. I am passionate about mindfulness, nature, aromatherapy and cooking.
I work in confidential, supportive settings where individuals and groups can explore their experiences safely and move forward with dignity.
Client feedback
In their own words
All feedback is anonymised and shared with permission.
Following a cancer diagnosis, counselling gave me the time and space to explore what mattered most. I felt able to talk openly about my fears without judgement and now feel far more resilient and insightful.
anonymised with consent
Cancer support
I had not realised how much menopause was affecting me — brain fog, stress, anger and insomnia. Counselling helped me understand myself, rebuild my confidence and prioritise my own wellbeing.
anonymised with consent
Menopause
After fertility treatment, I felt completely overwhelmed. Annie understood straight away. I feel happier now, and it has made a real difference to my marriage.
anonymised with consent
Fertility
Following a cancer diagnosis, counselling gave me the time and space to explore what mattered most. I felt able to talk openly about my fears without judgement and now feel far more resilient and insightful.
anonymised with consent
Cancer support
“I work with adults aged 18 to 85, each bringing their own experiences, needs and strengths.”
Annie Ford
A place to begin
A compassionate approach, rooted in experience
BSc Hons, Dip Integrative Counselling, Dip CBT, Dip Supervision, Dip Executive Coaching. BACP and EMDR Accredited Practitioner.
I am an experienced and compassionate counsellor, EMDR therapist and clinical supervisor. Clients and colleagues describe me as calm, grounded and deeply committed to supporting others.
Counselling is my second career, and it remains a privilege seeing clients grow in confidence, resilience and self-understanding as they move towards the life they want to live.
Throughout my career, I have remained committed to learning, professional development and supporting others. I bring the same values to my work with clients, students and supervisees, creating a respectful and encouraging environment in which people can reflect, develop and thrive.
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Professional experience
A Wealth of Experience in Healthcare and Counselling
I have worked across NHS teaching hospitals, GP practices, cancer support centres and community health settings as a counsellor, coach, EMDR therapist, clinician, leader and clinical supervisor. Alongside my private practice, I currently provide staff support within an NHS teaching hospital.
Before retraining as a counsellor, I built an extensive career in nursing, midwifery and NHS leadership. My roles included specialist cancer nursing, midwifery and management of women’s health services, including gynaecology, fertility IVF services, breast cancer and oncology care.
I have also held senior roles in public health and clinical commissioning, including work focused on equality, diversity and inclusion, alongside nursing consultancy and leadership responsibilities.
This breadth of experience has given me a deep understanding of the emotional impact of illness, treatment, loss, trauma, fertility difficulties and significant life transitions. It continues to inform the compassionate, practical and sensitive way I work with clients.
3. Inclusive practice
Inclusive practice
I have worked in NHS teaching hospitals, GP practices, cancer support centres and community health settings as a counsellor, coach, EMDR therapist, clinician, leader and clinical supervisor. Alongside my private practice, I currently work in staff support services at an NHS teaching hospital.
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Coaching experience
Coaching experience
As a coach, I have supported people in both public and private-sector roles who are experiencing workplace stress, bullying, burnout, overwhelm, transition and organisational change.
Between 2012 and 2014, I co-founded Wise Goose, a coaching school in Devon, with two professional colleagues. It continues under strong leadership.