Dr. Anna Friis
Dr Anna Friis is a registered psychologist specialising in self-compassion, with a PhD in the field. From her private practice in Ponsonby, Auckland, she works with people wanting help navigating life's inevitable difficulties and struggles. As a health psychologist, she is also an expert in the mind-body effects of illness, stress, burn-out and care-giving fatique.
Her work is grounded in the science of mindfulness and self-compassion, alongside a deeply attuned, relational approach. She creates a space where you can slow down, feel safe enough to be real, and gently shift long-standing patterns with clarity, courage, and kindness.
As a member of the international Center for Mindful Self-Compassion teaching team, Anna also trains and mentors students and health professionals worldwide. Her work reflects a deep commitment to bringing the science of self-compassion into both clinical practice and everyday life, in service of a kinder world.
"Working with you has changed the most important relationship I have; the relationship I have with myself". Vanessa
Therapy Services
How can I support you?
Therapy with Anna is both grounded and deeply human. You’ll be met with warmth, insight, and a steady, compassionate presence that helps you feel safe enough to be real. Together we slow things down, make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface, and gently shift the patterns that keep you stuck. This is a space where science and soul meet - - where you learn not just to cope, but to relate to yourself with clarity, courage, and kindness.
Make an appointment directly or ask your GP to send through a referral letter and we will be in touch. Online sessions are available.
Featured courses
5-Day Mindful Self-Compassion Intensive
With Dr Anna Friis and Dr Robyn Charlton
Join us at the beautiful Mana Retreat Centre for an immersive experience in mindfulness and self-compassion. This intensive course is designed to recharge your spirit and provide deep, practical tools for resilience.
13–18 September 2027
Mana Retreat Centre, Coromandel, New Zealand
Self-Compassion for Everyone: Feb 19 - March 26, 2027
This six-week lunchtime course offers an experiential introduction to the principles and practices of Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), an empirically supported programme developed by Dr Kristin Neff and Dr Christopher Germer.
Across six weekly one-hour sessions, participants will explore hw self-compassion can support emotional resilience, reduce the impact of self-criticism, and help us meet difficult moments with greater steadiness, warmth and perspective.
The course will combine brief teaching with guided practices, reflection and practical tools that can be integrated into both personal and professional life. Topics will include the core components of self-compassion, working with the inner critic, responding skilfully to difficult emotions, the physiology of soothing and threat, compassionate motivation, and sustaining ourselves in caring professions.
The emphasis will be practical and experiential rather than purely theoretical. Participants will be invited to try the practices for themselves and to consider how the principles of self-compassion may support both their own wellbeing and their clinical work.
No previous experience of mindfulness or self-compassion practice is required.
Ticketing structure:
NZPsS member - $290
Non-member - $360
Student - $145
Therapy Enquiries
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If I think I can help, we can make a time to meet.
