Anna Katharina Schaffner, PhD
I am a burnout and executive coach and a writer. I hold a Diploma in Integrative Evidence-Based Clinical Hypnotherapy & Mind Body Health Practice (PDHyp/MBH) from the prestigious International College of Clinical Hypnosis Practitioners (ICCHP). I am also a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), and hold qualifications ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and mBIT coaching. I am also an Insights Discovery Profile practitioner, and part of the amazing Performance Catalyst core team of coaches and facilitators.
My Story
In my previous life, I used to be a Professor of Cultural History at a British university, but I am feeling much better now. The truth is that I was never an institutional animal and suffered a burnout in academia, and that I didn’t thrive in my job for a very long time. It nevertheless took me many years to dare to leave the university and to become a full-time coach, hypnotherapist, and writer. I couldn’t be happier now, doing what I truly love, and helping others to make courageous changes in their lives. You can find out more about me on my coaching and writing website.
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I also found out (quite late in life) that I have both ADHD and autism. This explained many things for me (including my life-long struggle with energy, my burnout, and my very squiggly career). It also ignited my passion for helping others with differently wired, highly creative or hyper-analytical minds to make the very best of their very precious and unique gifts.
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I am the author of The Story Solution: Change Your Toxic Self-Story and Thrive (Profile, 2026), Exhausted: An A-Z for the Weary (Profile, 2024), Exhaustion: A History (Columbia University Press, 2016) and The Art of Self-Improvement: Ten Timeless Truths (Yale University Press, 2021). I have also written a novel, academic works and journalism.
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I am an introvert who loves people. In my spare time, I play the piano and do kick-boxing. I live with my daughter, partner and two Siberian cats in a quaint English cathedral town.
Contact
If you are interested in a bespoke audio or have feedback on my recorded audios, I'd love to hear from you.
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