Annie Fox Derek (She/Her/They/Them) is a clinical herbalist, animist, and folk healer. They have over 10 years of experience studying plants, first completing a Bachelors of Science degree in Plant Biology which was then followed by 4 years of study in clinical herbalism with Ola Obasi at the Well of Indigenous Wisdom School. Since then, they have trained with herbalists and folk healers from around the world, and devoted countless hours of independent study to learning the local edible and medicinal flora of Western Pennsylvania. They also helped to start the Three Rivers Free Clinic for the People and have taught about herbal medicine and foraging to hundreds of people throughout Pittsburgh and beyond.
As your herbalist you can expect that Annie will promotes health sovereignty and will encourage you to be actively engaged and empowered in your own health and wellness. They believe deeply in the holistic nature of healing, the connection between mind, body, emotions, and spirit, and they will actively work to enhance your well-being with the profound wisdom and love that plant medicines have to offer us.
Wondering what to expect from an appointment with an herbalist?
During an herbal consultation, Annie will ask you about your medical and personal history and Annie is known to use a variety of clinical diagnostic tools to better understand your personal constitution. By uncovering your strengths and examining any behaviors that may be preventing you from achieving enhanced wellbeing Annie will enlist the supportive help of natural methods that have been used for thousands of years to help people feel and be well. Following the session, they will create a unique wellness plan for you that includes hand-blended herbal formula(s), dietary/nutrition suggestions, and personalized rituals to help you on your journey towards wellness. Follow-up sessions will track progress and offer the opportunity to adjust herbal formulas as needed.
Wondering how long appointments and session duration are?
Appointments with our herbalist are one hour long and length or treatment varies from 1 appointment to 10 appointments. It really depends on the goals that you are attempting to achieve!
Annie specializes in deep listening, holding non-dual awareness, and cultivating loving acceptance, all with a healthy dose of playfulness. Their favorite activities include exploring local forests and swimming holes, participating in earth-based rituals and ceremonies, talking to plants, singing around fires, playing board games with friends, and hanging out with their feline companion, Nimbus. They are actively engaged in decolonization and anti-racism practices and carry this throughout their work.
Annie is available for telehealth and in-person consultations at the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh North Side location.