From my early years, I've loved using my gift of helping people learn, grow, and create change. As a teen, I was the one that spent lunch time counseling and coaching my peers. Teaching and coaching people, from where they are to where they'd like to be, has always come naturally to me.
My foundation in wellness, like most people, started at home. My dad has always talked about the importance of what he calls "body wisdom," which means paying attention to and listening to your body. Taking medication was considered a last resort in our household. In terms of emotional health, both of my parents modeled positive thinking. We were always encouraged to analyze but not criticize.
In the 1990's, I suffered from depression and took medication for it. I began to do research and found that ultimately these drugs damage the liver, and so began my search to find natural alternatives. My first exposure to natural methods was Reiki, a form of energy healing. It helped so I studied and became a Reiki Master. Yet it was not enough to get me off the antidepressants and so the search continued. I explored aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and a various other paths. Ultimately, a machine called the Alpha-Stim, which stimulates alpha brain waves, became the vehicle for me to get off the drugs and feel better.
In 2012, I became bed ridden with what would ultimately be labeled Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (CFS/SEID) and Fibromyalgia. When I had a good day and could do some research, I found out that it was something that could not be cured and that usually got progressively worse, according to conventional medicine. This was not an acceptable answer to me and so, when I was able, I searched more. I cleaned up my diet and it helped but it was not enough. I tried a variety of things and some helped, but it was not enough.
During this time, I enrolled in some formal training online. In 2013 I became a Certified Hypnotherapist and in 2016 I added certification as a Whole Health Educator, Coach, and Patient Advocate to my helping skills. Both seemed appropriate complements to my foundation in education, psychology, energy work, and holistic health and wellness. Both were tools I could use in my pursuit of my personal wellness. Between my education and the help of a functional medicine doctor (one who looks at root causes, not the condition or disease), I was able to make significant improvements which are still in progress.
In my practice, I use an individualized, personal approach to mind-body-spirit health and wellness that is also based in science. My goal is to help each client gain the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their health and well-being to move towards high-level wellness. During workshops, I incorporate time for participants to reflect on the information and techniques to find what resonates with them as an individual. I believe there is no cookie-cutter approach to health and wellness and therefore it is important for each of us to mindfully approach our self-care. I've been doing workshops on self-hypnosis, stress reduction, communication/public speaking, mindful eating, and many other wellness related topics for businesses and organizations. I offer individual sessions in my office and via video chat.
Self-care allows us to be vibrant and engaged in the world. Knowing what self-care looks like to you can be elusive. Putting your own oxygen mask on first is something many find difficult. I help make change easier!
Anna Bush, C.Ht., M.Ed.
HEducation Functional Medicine Coach Program, School of Applied Functional Medicine anticipated graduation June 2019 Whole Health Educator Program, National Institute of Whole Health Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy, HMI College of Hypnotherapy M.Ed., Alfred University Graduate School B.S. in Communications, East Stroudsburg University Certifications Certified Whole Health Educator, National Institute of Whole Health Certified Patient Health Advocate, National Institute of Whole Health Certified Whole Health Coach, National Institute of Whole Health Certified Hypnotherapist, Hypnotherapist Union AFL-CIO Hypnosis & Anxiety, American Hypnosis Association Hypnosis & Immune Disorders, American Hypnosis Association Hypnosis & Childbirth, American Hypnosis Association Hypnosis & Weight Loss, American Hypnosis Association Hypnosis & Pain Management, American Hypnosis Association Hypnosis & PTSD, American Hypnosis Association Hypnosis & Sports Performance, American Hypnosis Association Pre and Post Surgery Hypnosis, American Hypnosis Association Healing the Inner Child, American Hypnosis Association Past Life Regression, American Hypnosis Association
Memberships Cattauraugus County Healthy Livable Communities Consortium and the organizations below:
School of Applied Functional Medicine Disease 101 Lab Work 101 Nutrition and Supplements 101 Disease Begins in the Gut 101 The Mind-Body Connection Whole Health Education Courses Adrenal Function & Stress Brain Function & Nutrition Brain Function & Behavior Cardiac Whole Health Cultural Diversity Digestive Function & Nutrition Exercise Physiology Functional Medicine Inflammation & Disease Living with Illness Metabolic Syndrome Mindful Listening Muscles & Bones Nutrition: Food Chemistry Nutrition Research at Harvard Obesity: Hidden Factors Physics & Philosophy Psychology of Stress Whole Person Nutrition I & II
Continuing Education The Work with Byron Katie Spirituality, Metaphysics and Health Nutrition and Blood Type