2 days ago
I starred in one of the nineties' biggest TV shows but ditched fame for a completely different job - I've been through hell but I don't regret it
This Life hit our screens in 1996 on BBC Two and went on to become a huge fan favourite.
The TV drama, created by Amy Jenkins, went on to have two series which broadcast between 996 and 1997.
It followed the lives of five law graduates trying to navigate their lives after university, played by Amita Dhiri, Jack Davenport, Andrew Lincoln, Jason Hughes and Daniela Nardini.
Some of the star-studded cast decided to stick with their acting, but Daniela ended up doing something totally different.
Scottish actress Daniela played Anna Forbes in the hit show and went on to receive a BAFTA for Best Actress in 1998.
She reprised her role for the TV movie This Life +10 in 2006 to celebrate the show's 10 year anniversary.
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After This Life, Daniela landed roles in the likes of Quite Ugly One Morning, Sirens, Lewis, Vera and Waterloo Road.
But nowadays she is doing something very different.
Daniela is now a qualified and practicing psychotherapist.
She also has her own CBT practice in Glasgow, Scotland.
Her profile on Psychology Today reads: 'I have worked as an actress for over 35 years.
'This has been an invaluable education for me to study what it is to be human and how we can all suffer at times and feel misunderstood and lonely.
'I myself have struggled at times.
'My practice involves helping you gain insight, clarity and believe it or not humour at times.
'I don't shock easily so I won't judge.'
It adds: 'I can help firstly by listening to you.
'Often we feel unheard or feel shame because we are struggling.
'I am here to listen without judgement and to offer you compassion and kindness.
'Together we can work out a plan that will help you feel more in control and able to make the changes you want to happen as well as working at your own pace. '
Her types of therapy include acceptance and commitment, cognitive behavioural, compassion focused, creative therapy, person-centered and positive psychology.
Daniela's top specialties include depression, anxiety and behavioural issues, and has expertise in addiction, cancer, divorce, family conflict and parenting.
The actress can use the tough times in her life to resonate with others after losing her father in 2015, followed by a divorce and a cancer diagnosis in 2018.
Back in 2020 Daniela opened up to us about the 'worst five years of her life'.
She said: 'I went through a very dark period.
'Sometimes I wonder if it was all the emotional stuff I was going through that caused my cancer.
'A couple of years down the road, I now feel as if I've emerged stronger and a better person really.
'Anna would be proud.'
Speaking about This Life, she added: 'I love that people still enjoy the series.
'But This Life feels like another life now. It was very exciting and intoxicating at the time.
'We all got quite famous through it, quickly, which was a shock and a little bit terrifying.
'I don't miss any of it though.
'I'm glad I experienced it but I don't crave it. What I do crave is good work. It's quite hard to find work that excites you and speaks to you.
