Dr. Anna Friis
Health Psychologist & Mindful Self-Compassion Specialist
Dr Anna Friis is a compassion-focussed therapist and registered psychologist, with a PhD in health psychology. She works from her private practice in Ponsonby, Auckland, specializing in the mind-body connection of stress, trauma, grief, and relationship difficulties, and the effects on mental and physical health. A member of the international Center for Mindful Self-Compassion's teaching team, she also trains and mentors students and health professionals throughout the world, and actively integrates the science of self-compassion into her work and life. She is contactable directly via the button below, or via SELF, a boutique practice specializing in holistic compassionate psychology.
"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?
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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.
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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.
21–26 September 2026
Mana Retreat Centre, Coromandel, New Zealand
Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion 2026
The NZ Psychological Society is delighted to offer a short online course in Mindful Self-Compassion (SC-MSC), to be taught by Dr Anna Friis.
The SC-MSC is a 6-week adaptation of the empirically-supported
8-week Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program designed to begin the cultivation of the skills of self-compassion.
Therapy Enquiries
If you're considering therapy, please include a brief description of what brings you to seek support at this time.
If I think I can help, we can make a time to meet.
