Anna Kultys is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience in providing adults with individual and group therapy in a variety of settings. Her key areas of clinical expertise consist of depression, anxiety, coping with trauma, concerns related to stress, work, and relationships, as well as confidence and identity issues. She is also fluent in the Polish language and culture. Anna works from UB’s Evanston Counseling office.
What made you become a therapist?
I’ve always been curious about what people do and how they feel. As I grew up, I often watched people and tried to imagine what they did in their lives, how they felt, and what their dreams were. I found myself seeking an understanding of people on an emotional level and learned that this was how I could truly feel connected to my community. My desire to connect with and support others led me to become a therapist.
What are your specialties?
My key areas of clinical expertise consist of depression, anxiety, coping with trauma, concerns related to stress, work, and relationships, as well as confidence and identity issues. I am also fluent in the Polish language and culture.
Did you have a career before becoming a therapist?
During my undergraduate career, I worked with adolescents in an effort to help them succeed through some tough times in their lives. During my graduate career, I worked with adults with chronic mental illnesses in a transitional living program. After that, I worked in the field of forensic psychology for six years, where I completed psychological testing, in-depth record analyses, and other investigative work to complete objective and thorough psychological assessments in the context of civil and criminal litigation.
Why do you believe that counseling can help?
One of the most precious gifts we can give to ourselves and others is to take the time to reflect upon ourselves. It grants us awareness, which is the key to focusing efforts of bettering one’s self. Awareness, thus, leads to agency- the capacity to act of one’s own free will to make change. The ability to value one’s self in such a profound way has a ripple effect in terms of impacting the quality of one’s life.
Why is it important to seek counseling?
Because we are important. I believe that every individual deserves the respect that counseling conveys by virtue of providing the time and space to express and explore yourself: how you feel, your struggles, your goals, and who you are. Taking this time allows for reduction in feelings of anxiety, stress, and sadness, among others, while creating a space to define and act on a new future for yourself.
Favorite Self Care Activities:
I sing loudly when I’m alone in my car. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family, who nourish different parts of who I am. I value being on my own, and that usually involves deep breathing or exercising, especially by the lake. It’s important to me to check in with myself regularly about where I’m at now, what I would like to achieve in the future, and how to bridge the gap. I also seek therapy to facilitate my personal and professional growth.