We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Anna Elton. Check out our conversation below.
Anna, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of being a therapist, writing has been a major source of joy for me lately. I have two books coming out in 2026, Couples Therapy in the Digital Age, an academic text, and The Formula of Desire, a narrative non-fiction exploring the psychology of attraction and long-term relationships. Writing gives me a creative outlet to reflect on the deeper questions I encounter in my work and translate them into something that resonates more broadly. It’s both a passion and a way to keep growing outside the therapy room.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dr. Anna Elton. I hold a BS in Psychology, an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a PhD in Clinical Sexology. I’m a licensed therapist, author, speaker, and host of Life, Love, Etc., a relationship show presented live by JessTV every other Monday at 9 PM EST, available on Roku and Meta TV.
I’ve always been drawn to helping people, but I didn’t discover my true passion until college. I actually started as a biochemistry major, thinking I’d pursue a medical path. But once I took my first psychology course, everything changed for me. At that point, I knew that I had found my calling, and I never looked back.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
This is a part of my story I hadn’t shared with many people until recently. I spoke about it for the first time on stage at the We Believe event in St. John, Canada, in front of an audience of over 8,000 students, youth, and educators. The talk was translated and broadcast to more than a million people that day.
When I was 16, I started experiencing intense headaches, nausea, and vision loss. At first, doctors said it was just part of growing up. But the symptoms worsened, and one day I collapsed. After hours of testing, they told me I had a brain tumor and needed emergency surgery. Without it, I had only days to live.
The night before that surgery changed everything. Facing my fears at such a young age reshaped how I see the world. Since then, I’ve learned to live one day at a time, with grace and gratitude. I know I won’t always be perfect, but I can always choose to be present and grateful.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: “You’re already enough, just as you are.”
As an adult, I’ve developed a playful little mantra I use whenever I’m feeling down or uncertain: “Who is awesome? I am awesome.” It may sound simple, but it always lifts my spirits. I just wish I had started saying it earlier. That younger version of me could’ve used a reminder that confidence starts with your own voice.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is absolutely the real me. I smile a lot, and that’s who I am. I’m naturally optimistic and solution-focused.
That said, there’s more to me than meets the eye. I’m blonde and still look on the younger side, which sometimes comes with assumptions or stereotypes. But at home, I’m a total nerd, always reading, researching, and coming up with new ideas. So yes, what you see is real…but there’s always a little more behind the smile.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
This one’s interesting. I’m someone who’s always setting goals, and by the time I reach one, I’m already working on the next. But what I’ve learned is that constantly chasing the next milestone can sometimes take the joy out of the present moment. If there’s one thing I have to keep reminding myself, it’s to pause and celebrate, whether it’s a small win or a big one. Because if you don’t take time to enjoy what you’ve worked for… what’s the point?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annaelton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drannaelton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drannaelton
Image Credits
Carlos Velez
Mo Mendes
