About Anne Dranitsaris, Ph.D.

 I’m Dr. Anne Dranitsaris, and for over 40 years, I’ve been helping individuals, couples, leaders, and entrepreneurs break free from limiting beliefs, codependence, Imposter Syndrome, and other patterns that hold them back from living as their Authentic Selves. 

Through my work as a psychotherapist, leadership coach, and behavioral change expert, I’ve had the privilege of guiding countless people on their journeys to discover their true potential and lead lives aligned with who they’re meant to be. 

​​My developmental approach focuses on understanding the profound interplay between emotions, personality, and behavior and how conditioning informs either the development of our Authentic Self or an Imposter Persona. For those struggling with Imposter Syndrome, I help uncover and dismantle the self-defeating narratives rooted in self-doubt and perfectionism. For individuals grappling with codependence or relationship challenges, I work to reveal how unmet needs and self-protective patterns obstruct the formation of healthy, meaningful connections. By addressing these emotional dynamics, my clients don’t just learn to manage symptoms—they transform their relationships with themselves and others, achieving greater emotional resilience and authenticity. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients break free from limiting patterns and embrace the freedom to live as their true selves.

Watching people move from survival behaviors to thriving in their lives and relationships is the heart of my work. It’s an honor to guide clients on this journey and witness their transformation as they discover their capacity to create the lives they’ve always wanted.

 With a Ph.D. in Therapeutic Counseling from the Open International University for Complementary Medicine, my educational journey has always been broad and interdisciplinary. I earned my degree after completing a rigorous six-year program in Psychotherapy at the Centre for Training in Psychotherapy in Toronto (Dip. CTP). Along the way, I also pursued studies in business management at Ryerson University and earned a diploma in advanced dispute resolution from the ADR Institute of Ontario.

During a sabbatical, I deepened my understanding of the mind by studying Brain and Behavior courses with Dr. Daniel Amen, immersing myself in Jon Kabat-Zinn’s mindfulness work, and completing a Certificate Course to facilitate the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program at the University of Toronto. This enriching period inspired me to establish the Centre for Mindful Therapies, where I integrated these modalities into my psychotherapy, consulting, and coaching practices.

My passion for learning continues to this day. Recently, I’ve completed programs with the Carolyn Myss Educational Institute on Archetypes, Fate-to-Destiny, Sacred Contracts, and more. I’ve also studied Disorders of the Self at the Masterson Institute in New York and in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and neuropsychology from leading experts, including Dr. Daniel Amen and Dr. Daniel Siegel. This lifelong commitment to education has allowed me to continually expand my knowledge and bring the latest insights into my work, ensuring I can offer the best possible support to my clients. 

 After writing my article and quiz, Who You Are Meant to Be, for O, The Oprah Magazine, my daughter Heather and I found ourselves increasingly frustrated with the limitations of traditional personality assessments. We wanted something that went beyond surface-level traits to address the deeper emotional needs and subconscious patterns that drive human behavior. Together, we co-created the Striving Styles Personality System® (SSPS®), a neuropsychological framework that identifies eight distinct Striving Styles. This system provides individuals with a roadmap to understand their strengths, break free from self-limiting behaviors, and achieve authentic fulfillment.

Our work with the SSPS inspired the publication of our book, Who Are You Meant to Be?, a transformative guide that blends neuropsychology, personality theory, and practical tools for personal growth. Today, the SSPS is a cornerstone of our workshops, coaching programs, and leadership initiatives, helping individuals and teams unlock their unique potential and live more fulfilling lives. It’s been incredible to see how this framework has empowered so many people to embrace who they are truly meant to be 

I’m a passionate author dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome psychological barriers and unlock their full potential. With over 75 publications available on Amazon, my works include the acclaimed Become Who You Are Meant to Be trilogy, which explores personal, relational, and career transformation by addressing the deep emotional and behavioral patterns that hold us back. I’ve also written the Maximizing Your Leadership Potential, Maximizing Your Relationship Potential, Maximizing Your Career Potential, and Maximizing Your Employee Potential series. Each of these 16-book collections provides tailored insights based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality types and the Striving Styles Personality System, offering readers practical strategies for personal and professional growth.

Together with my daughter, Heather Dranitsaris-Hilliard, I’ve coauthored several transformative books that blend psychological insights with actionable frameworks. Our book Who Are You Meant to Be? helps readers uncover their unique personality type while providing a roadmap to overcome self-limiting behaviors. Power Past the Imposter Syndrome offers a comprehensive guide to breaking free from self-doubt and overcoming the Imposter Persona, addressing how early developmental influences shape negative beliefs. So, You Think You Can Lead? introduces our proprietary Performance Development Cycle, equipping leaders with the tools they need to develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.

Through my writing, I’m committed to helping individuals and leaders move past what holds them back and discover their capacity for meaningful growth and fulfillment. It’s been a privilege to guide readers toward living as their true selves and achieving their goals. 

For me, the journey to connect with our Authentic Self is a lifelong quest—one that requires courage, introspection, and an openness to transformation. My work is deeply personal, shaped by my own experiences with family dynamics, emotional growth, and the path to authenticity. A defining moment in my life was reuniting with my daughter, Heather, after giving her up for adoption at birth. That transformative experience not only deepened my understanding of connection and healing but also sparked the shared mission Heather and I now pursue: helping others live with purpose and fulfillment.

In addition to my interest in psychological development and neuropsychology, I’ve always been drawn to esoteric, archetypal, spiritual, and astrological systems. These interests, woven into my professional and personal life, have fueled my passion for exploring the deeper dimensions of human experience. I believe that unlocking our potential isn’t just about addressing behaviors or patterns—it’s about connecting with something greater within ourselves and understanding the forces that shape our journey.

Today, I live with my husband, Blake, and our dog, Pixie, on a beautiful lake northeast of Toronto. Being surrounded by nature provides me with a constant source of reflection, inspiration, and connection. It’s in these quiet moments that I find the energy and creativity to continue my work, whether it’s guiding an individual toward their Authentic Self or lighting up new possibilities for organizations.

My passion is empowering others to thrive, and I feel privileged to share this work with everyone I encounter.