I am a HCPC drama and movement therapist and a BPS clinical psychologist with over ten years of experience both in London and Portugal. I have worked with a variety of issues and in various organisational settings including NHS, schools, private and charity sectors. I have also worked for many years with the Portuguese Police Force offering psychotherapy and counselling to police officers and their families. I have experience working with children, adults and older adults from diverse cultural backgrounds.
In addition to my private practice, I currently work in a multi-ethnic counselling service supporting adults and older adults with mental health issues as well as refugees and asylum seekers. I also work with a child bereavement charity, delivering individual and group therapy to children. As part of a community support programme for women, I facilitate creative arts mindfulness-based groups. I am experienced working in both brief and long-term therapy.
Therapy with Ana
My work draws on the psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, Jungian and arts therapy approaches as well as on contemporary theories in intersubjectivity and developmental psychology. I further recognise that the mind and body are intertwined and my work is also informed by somatic psychology, authentic movement as well as by my practice and studies in meditation and mindfulness for over 15 years.
I offer a safe, non-judgemental and supportive space where you can explore issues through talking and/or using a more imaginative, symbolic approach using creative mediums. We can also use mindfulness and breathing exercises. No previous artistic and mindfulness experience is required.
I believe that the relationship between the therapist and client is the core of the therapeutic work and in which we co-create a sense of meaning and where transformation can take place. I will work together with you to bring into awareness unconscious patterns, fostering insight, with a view to changing them and for you to move toward psychological balance and harmony.
Working with children
In my sessions, creative arts, play and metaphor are the therapeutic mediums in which the child can explore and express their feelings, thoughts and issues. Creative arts therapy can support the child in their psychological and emotional growth, fostering resilience and self-confidence.
Qualifications and experience
- MA in Drama and Movement Therapy, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama/University of London
- MA in Clinical Psychology (psychoanalytic approach), ISPA, University Institute (Portugal)
- Training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Sociedade Portuguesa Psicologia Clinica (Portugal)
Languages other than English
Portuguese
Rates
£65-80 per session. I offer some concessionary rates for those on low or reduced income or unemployed.
