Hi again! Anna Maria here.
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When I tell people what I do for a living, I often hear phrases like: “Oh, Anna Maria you’re a psychologist?! I’d be a great case study for ya – I need help haha!” It’s comments like these that motivate me into finding ways to marry the practice of psychology with the teaching of psychology.
Too often, people think they are “crazy” or “messed up” or “have seeeerrrrious issues.” At this stage in my career, I’m driven to make psychological knowledge and strategies mainstream information to show people they have no reason to fear their psychological schtick. There are interesting, unintimidating, and normalizing explanations behind what we do and why we do it, so there is no need to perpetuate the stigma around mental health. There are ways to explain your psychological stuff and there are strategies to increase the quality of your well-being – so let’s stop the “crazy” talk, shall we?!
I’ve learnt so much in the last 15 years of teaching psychology at the collegiate level and practicing psychology in the private sector. My current goal is to help decrease mental health stigma and offer the psychological knowledge needed to understand that looking within oneself is not scary – it’s actually fascinating, illuminating, and, oh so liberating. Afterall, we can’t fight what we can’t see.
The pandemic pushed me into the world of mainstream media. I have done countless interviews on major networks such as CTV and Global in the name of helping make psychological concepts more understandable. In January of 2023, I had the honor of completing a TEDx talk with TEDx McGill titled: Codependent Confessions of a Popular Girl Turned Psychologist. One of my most recent endeavors is becoming a mental health advsior for the documentary film company "Conscious Content Inc."
I'm always looking for new opportunities to use the knowledge that I have accumulated (and continue to learn) in order to increase self-awareness and introspection. Afterall, seeing a better world on the outside starts with being a healthier person on the inside.
Want more information about your potential psychology teacher?
Here are the fun facts!
- I’m addicted to school, I think. After my first Master’s degree, I returned to McGill University for a second Master’s degree before becoming a licensed psychologist.
- I was a Canadian skipping champion in 1988 (Yes, you read that correctly. I received actual medals for events in jump rope).
- I’m the proud mom of two daughters, one of which was born prematurely at 2 pounds, 12 ounces. She and I almost died in 2014. Today we are two strong girls who share a bond wild horses couldn’t pull apart.
- You will find shows like Buffy The Vampire Slayer, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and Harry Potter on my recently viewed list. Apparently, I’m a fool for Teen Sci-Fi Fantasy Drama.
- I was in a Latin dance troop in the early 2000s - Latin dance holds a special place in my heart.
- Discovering meditation was life changing. I believe mediation helped me see through the fog of my struggles and helped me find my life partner.
- My older brother turned me into a hardcore Star Wars fan. I cried (a lot) when I saw the first trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
- Nineties. R&B. All day. FULL STOP.
- I constantly overestimate my singing and dancing abilities and believe I was a Broadway star in a previous life.
- And finally, I have struggled with self-esteem issues my entire life. While I am always working to improve myself, I am living proof that you can work past your inner judgement and critical voice to cut out the noise and reach for your goals.
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