Meet Anna Khandrueva | Psychotherapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Khandrueva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, how do you think about risk?
Risk requires us to be vulnerable, which is uncomfortable for many. In order to risk something, you have to be prepared to lose it. It may seem easier to stay in the status quo, suspended in never knowing of what could have been. But where’s the fun in that?

I believe that taking risks is necessary for growth and thriving. The first big risk I took was moving to the United States from Russia at the age of 18. I went from the huge bustling city of Moscow to the small and picturesque Fredericksburg, VA to attend college. I left my life and family behind in the hope of finding personal fulfillment – or so I thought.

Despite loving my psychology major, it was the business one I ended up using after graduating. The pull of continuing the family legacy of working in banking and finance was strong, and I ended up doing that on and off until the age of 34. That’s when I finally realized I was not happy. Things just didn’t fit.

Two years later, I was taking the second big risk in my life and starting a Master’s of Social Work at Metro State in Denver. It felt daunting to leave an established career behind, just like it was scary to leave Moscow. I took a breath, then took a step towards freedom and authenticity.

It was by taking all these risks that I discovered my passion for being a therapist. Now, I feel completely in tune with all aspects of myself. It’s truly rewarding to do what you love and what brings you a sense of meaning.

Opening my business, Courage to Heal Therapy, was another risk, but it felt so natural – more like an exhilarating leap forward. All I know is I am not looking back!

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve always wanted to have my own business. Being my own boss is great, but with great power comes… well, you know. I have to say, the feeling of freedom and empowerment is worth all the hours I put into more boring stuff like bookkeeping and marketing.

I launched Courage to Heal Therapy in the summer of 2021, after rebelliously deciding that I do not want to work for anyone other than myself for a very long time. I need this to be just me, my flavor done my way. I poured my heart and soul into my website and sought additional training.

My particular passion lies in working with bipolar disorder, trauma, and relationships. I love watching partners reconnect and delight in each other’s company again, and I’m overjoyed when I hear that people have moved on from their painful memories.

I was expecting a slow start. Instead, COVID and a shortage of mental health professionals helped me fill my schedule faster than I could find an office. People were – and still are – hurting out there. And that’s why Courage to Heal Therapy exists: to make the world hurt a tiny bit less.

Along the way, I learned that I have to be very intentional about how I balance work and life – and I thought I left that behind at the corporate office! Spending more hours working for yourself can be very enticing, and it can be hard to “put the pen down.”

The biggest message I want Courage to Heal Therapy to send is “come as you are.” There is no “right” way to show up for therapy just like there is no “right” way to be a human being. All of you is welcome and honored here.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado has some of the best spots for random, off-the-wall fun. The Sand Dunes alone are awesome – who doesn’t want to sled down a mountain of warm sand? They are the tallest in North America and really stand out against the backdrop of mountains and valleys. And nearby, you can wrestle an alligator at Colorado Gators Reptile Park and watch for UFOs at the UFO Watchtower (don’t forget to bring a small souvenir to leave behind in the field of “offerings”).

If you don’t think it can get wilder than that, wait till you go to Bishop Castle near Rye. It’s a real castle, it’s beautiful, and it was built by a single guy with a vision, Jim Bishop. You can climb around the whole place, including a breathtaking bridge at the top (although it’s not the best activity if you are scared of heights).

You also cannot miss Colorado’s hot springs. My personal favorite is the Glenwood Springs, but there are many other fantastic choices. Their huge outdoor pool is especially great in wintertime as snowflakes dissolve in the steam coming off the water.

And if we are exploring Denver, I am definitely taking my friends on one of Phil Goodstein’s walking history tours. The man is a local legend. Afterwards, we can grab tapas at Ultreia at Union Station or stay away from the crowds and lunch at Coohills. The night would not be complete without a show at the Denver Center for Performing Arts.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes out to Denver Family Institute. It’s a wonderful nonprofit that trains marriage and family therapists while providing affordable therapy to our local communities. I was fortunate enough to discover DFI in my second year of graduate school. I joined the 2-year certificate program and began providing therapy through their clinic. I owe a lot of my clinical skills and knowledge to DFI. I am also proud of being a part of an organization dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of impact.

Website: https://www.couragetohealtherapy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragetohealtherapy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/courage-to-heal-therapy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/couragetohealtherapy/

Other: I will soon be releasing courses on mental health and wellness at https://courage-to-heal-academy.teachable.com/

Image Credits
Jess Kornacki (Art of Her)