!["You have to keep putting the effort in"](https://cdn.magzter.com/1387480582/1690796088/articles/gTo0SaDtL1690867185945/Anna-Williamson.jpg)
It says a lot about Anna Williamson's infectious sense of positivity and hopefulness that she is able to see the bright side of having a mental breakdown. Not many people would look back on being plunged into depression in their twenties positively, but Williamson can see the silver lining.
'It was only thanks to that time that I got hooked on therapy, and I found it so life changing that I wanted to train in it myself,' she explains.
'I'm a huge advocate of self-help, but I also wanted to help others, as I felt at the time - this was 15 or 16 years ago - that the mental health arena was pretty bleak. It wasn't trendy on TV, like it is now. But trends change and, for me, it's a happy accident that it's become so talked-about.'
Managing to combine such a humble attitude with her joyful nature is surely what has kept her on our screens for the past 23 years, combining a girl-next-door warmth with genuine expertise. It's certainly what won her the job on Celebs Go Dating, now in its 12th season.
'Thanks to my breakdown, I ended up getting a gig on the telly, giving out the advice. And then the role for Celebs Go Dating came up. Even when I went to be interviewed, I thought, "Oh gosh, there must be so many life coaches or therapists that are going for this job."
'I didn't give it a second thought that they would select me as their new dating agent. So when my agent rang me to say I'd got the job, I actually thought it was for a voiceover job that I'd been for at the same time. But she explained, "No, they want you to join Celebs Go Dating." And that was nearly five years ago, now!'
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Psychologies UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Psychologies UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Flight of fancy](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5262/1755915/E0C1sz07k1720184395118/FLIGHT-OF-FANCY.jpg)
Flight of fancy
As Caro Giles approaches summer with greater self-understanding and growing support, possibility and potential fill the air...
![Life's not supposed to be easy'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5262/1755915/Dq7jP3Yyz1720184247919/LIFES-NOT-SUPPOSED-TO-BE-EASY.jpg)
Life's not supposed to be easy'
Is there anyone as successful yet down to earth as Jamie Oliver? Here, the bestselling author talks about how a bit of the tough stuff can make you strive harder
![Boost your body's 'wi-fi' and RELAX!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5262/1755915/o1AL0Smh61720183218516/BOOST-YOUR-BODYS-WIFI-AND-RELAX.jpg)
Boost your body's 'wi-fi' and RELAX!
Stimulate your vagus nerve and take life in your stride, writes Kellie Gillespie-Wright...
![Deckchair? Check.Book? Check.Hello summer...](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5262/1755915/KrwIxhRFB1720183793080/DECKCHAIR-CHECKBOOK-CHECKHELLO-SUMMER.jpg)
Deckchair? Check.Book? Check.Hello summer...
Set off on a journey of self-discovery this holiday season, and lose yourself in a good book, writes Caroline Butterwick
![Holiday romance](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5262/1755915/Dede9ZLhu1720183070412/HOLIDAY-ROMANCE.jpg)
Holiday romance
Ah, summer! The season of sun-soaked beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and romantic getaways.
![Love and loss](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5262/1755915/V91P51IBA1720182917357/LOVE-AND-LOSS.jpg)
Love and loss
Jackee Holder takes a joy ride through the pages of her journal, as she learns to let go of grief
![3 wellness breaks to book this summer](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5262/1755915/QvzZc3-a41720182538695/3-WELLNESS-BREAKS-TO-BOOK-THIS-SUMMER.jpg)
3 wellness breaks to book this summer
Remember those holidays where relaxation meant poolside piña coladas and -picture-perfect beaches? Well, today's traveller is swapping cocktails for connection and opting for experiences that rejuvenate mind, body and soul.
![SPIRIT OF adventure](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5262/1755915/kGzlp4rfR1720180717961/SPIRIT-OF-ADVENTURE.jpg)
SPIRIT OF adventure
Feed your curiosity, explore new experiences, and embrace the endless opportunities of summer, writes Holly Treacy
![DO YOU NEED A DOPAMINE DETOX?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5262/1755915/ed_963wR91720180075163/DO-YOU-NEED-A-DOPAMINE-DETOX.jpg)
DO YOU NEED A DOPAMINE DETOX?
Taking a break from dopamine-inducing activities such as scrolling on social media Is the latest viral wellness trend but how does it work? Heidi Scrimgeour finds out...
![Harnessing hope](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5262/1755915/ugpK2LwzG1720179486510/HARNESSING-HOPE.jpg)
Harnessing hope
Learn to ride the rollercoaster of life with enduring optimism, and bolster your wellbeing, writes Kellie Gillespie-Wright