Hi, I’m Anna Khandrueva.
Growing up in Russia in the 80s, I never thought I would become a therapist in the United States. Yet here I am! After calling Colorado my home for 15 years, I am proud to be helping fellow Coloradans have better days. And when I am not doing that, you can find me playing trivia, watering my plants, and listening to podcasts. Yes, I’m an introvert; how did you know?
You may be feeling lost right now, and that’s OK. I founded Courage to Heal Therapy for people just like you - those who are ready to do the work even though it seems daunting. I want to be by your side as you make progress and as you stumble a few steps back. I believe hope is always alive, and giving up is never an option.
It Wasn’t Always This Way
Before becoming a therapist, I built a career in finance, which was ultimately not a good fit for me. The days dragged on, the misery continued, and I felt like giving up. Instead, I gave in. Gave in to that voice saying “Go for it, you only get to live once!”
It was intimidating to enter a new profession, but it ended up being the best decision I’ve ever made! Finally, everything made sense, and peace became attainable. I’ve had to face my own demons to get to this place, and I want to help you do the same.
What I Bring
I am serious about helping my clients, so I work hard to learn well-researched and effective approaches. I am trained in EMDR therapy and in Level 2 of the Gottman Method for couples therapy. I also have extensive post-graduate training in trauma treatment. My education journey is always continuing, and I am currently earning a certificate in marriage and family therapy at Denver Family Institute.
My Philosophy
Have you heard the story of Mohini the majestic white tigress? She lived in a twelve-by-twelve-foot cage with a cement floor and iron bars at the Washington D.C. National Zoo for several years. Trapped and restless, she endlessly paced along the edges of the cage every day.
Finally, a much bigger habitat was created for her. Mohini now had access to several acres of beautiful green land. As soon as she was released there, Mohini went to a corner and started pacing in a twelve-by-twelve-foot square. She did so for the remainder of her life, unable to see that a whole new world was around her, waiting to be explored.
That’s learned helplessness. That’s what happens when you limit someone long enough. You may recognize yourself in Mohini if you feel unable to know who you are and where you belong as you repeat unhelpful behaviors over and over again. My goal is to help you drop those blinds around your eyes and see life for what it truly is – an endless playground full of possibilities.
Behind the Scenes
Jake the dog was my constant companion. If you did online therapy with me, you most certainly heard him snoring in the background. He couldn’t help it… he was built that way. Half-pointer, half-pit, he was no stranger to adversity. When I found him in a shelter, he had barely any teeth and a broken spine – at just 4 years old!
Even though he recently crossed the rainbow bridge, Jake’s tenacity and unbridled love continue to inspire me. Jake was what Mohini didn’t get to be - a survivor. Unlike Mohini, he had some support along the way, both from other dogs and from loving humans.
Someone believed in Jake. Someone cared. And so he got the courage to start trusting the world again. The courage to heal. Question is, are you going to be like Jake or like Mohini? Will you pace the edges of an imaginary cage or trust someone to take you to a better place?
The Rates
50-Minute Session
$150
80-Minute Session
$225
I currently do not accept insurance
The Reviews
Education and Experience
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Master of Social Work
2-Year Postgraduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Trained in Gottman Method Level 2
Trained in EMDR
Trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
IFS Informed
Certificate in Trauma Studies from University of Denver
4 Years Clinical Experience
Our Anti-Racism and Inclusion Policy
We stand firmly against racism.
We acknowledge our racial and cultural privilege and seek to use it to elevate BIPOC.
We also acknowledge our privilege when it comes to gender identity and sexual orientation, and vow to support and affirm those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
We acknowledge the problematic nature of the predominant models of psychotherapy coming from White, upper-class, cis gendered, heterosexual men and seek to promote models of psychotherapy that take into consideration cultural and societal implications of mental illness and health.
