Dr. Anila Paul
Senior Clinician & Psychotherapist
MBBS, PG Dip Rehab, PG Cert Hsc, MSc Addictions
An experienced senior clinician and psychotherapist in the field of Addictions and Mental health treating individuals and families affected by addictions and co-morbid mental health disorders.
About
Dr. Anila Paul, an Indian by birth and a New Zealand Citizen, is an experienced senior clinician and psychotherapist in the field of Addictions and Mental health, treating individuals and families affected by addictions and co-morbid mental health disorders.
Her expertise is in providing prevention programs, counseling, case management and has a proven background in health service planning, program development and implementation of Addiction and Mental health programs at both regional and national levels in New Zealand.
Dr Anila is currently residing in Sri Lanka, setting up “Ayuda Centre of Healing” at Thalahena, Negombo, which is a centre for wellness and recovery, that integrates western and eastern philosophies to renew, rejuvenate and transform people’s lives in a meaningful way.
Education & Experience
Dr. Paul, received her MBBS from the University of Bangalore in 1986 and Post graduate Diploma in Rehab and Health Sciences, Massey and Auckland University respectively in 2000. In addition, she completed her Master of Science in Addictions from Virginia Common Wealth University, University of Adelaide and Kings college, UK in 2013.
She competed an Advanced Masters program for treatment of trauma in 2021, from USA, Advanced Certificate in Guiding and Teaching Meditation and Mindfulness from Australia and TRE from Singapore. Dr Paul lived across several continents working in Indonesia as Associate Dean for UPH, Medical school, as a consultant for International Organization of Migration, working among refugees and has held various leadership and clinical positions in Australia and Myanmar.
In Myanmar, she was instrumental in setting up the Department of Behavioral Health sciences and implemented health related programs for corporates and businesses like Yoma Strategic, Ooredoo, Heineken, Coco-Cola, Prudential Insurance through the Emerging Health wing of Pun Hlaing Hospitals, Yangon, Myanmar.
She is an experienced mindfulness meditation teacher, practitioner and TRE therapist eager to integrate her knowledge, expertise with mind- body-Soul experiences for holistic transformation.
Life-changing Experience for Mind and Body “I came to Ayuda Sanctuary feeling burnt out and overwhelmed by life’s demands. From the moment I arrived, the serene surroundings and the caring staff made me feel at home. The customized wellness program was exactly what I needed—nurturing not only my physical health but also helping me reconnect with myself. The combination of Ayurvedic treatments, mindful yoga, and nourishing meals was transformative. I left feeling like a new person, ready to take on life with renewed energy and peace.”
Priya R.
Healing Beyond Expectations “My stay at Ayuda Sanctuary was nothing short of remarkable. The personalised care from the doctors and the attention to detail made all the difference. I’ve had chronic health issues for years, and their tailored approach addressed my condition in ways I hadn’t found anywhere else. Every day felt intentional, from the therapies to the meals grown on-site. Ayuda Sanctuary is truly a place where healing happens on every level.”
Hans K.,
Best for retreat “I had been looking for a retreat that was more than just relaxation, and Ayuda Sanctuary exceeded all my expectations. The staff made every effort to understand my needs and goals, crafting a program that felt like it was just for me. The spa treatments, meditative spaces, and Qigong one of its kind helped me release years of stress. It was a beautiful, restorative journey that reminded me of the importance of self-care and mindfulness. I came with my senior leadership team part of my company retreat. Fully worth.