Dr Ana Costa

About me

Welcome and thank you for checking my profile!

Sometimes negative life events happen and we may feel overwhelmed by difficult thoughts and feelings. The way we cope with these negative thoughts and feelings can make a big difference in our ability to "move forward" and to pursue a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Amongst other things, therapy can help you to make sense of how your problems developed and were maintained over time; to find more adaptive ways to cope with your difficult thoughts and feelings; to explore what is important and meaningful to you (your values); and to take committed action towards them.

With over nine years of clinical work experience, I work with adults offering short-term and long-term therapy. I offer therapy in English (and also in Portuguese), and I can help with a wide range of difficulties including:

Low mood and depression
Relationship issues
Communication difficulties
Stress and burnout
Phobias
Panic disorder
Social anxiety
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Low self-esteem/ low self-confidence
Anger management
Disordered eating
Work-life balance

Psychological trauma:

Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse

I am very passionate about helping people to fulfil their potential and lead meaningful lives, and I believe therapy should be an empowering experience that can facilitate individuals getting closer to what is important to them, whilst reducing emotional distress.

Sometimes it can feel a bit overwhelming looking for a therapist. Perhaps you're still not sure and you'd like the opportunity to ask questions, or conversely you may have already made your decision and you'd like to "get started"... either way, please feel free to contact me by email and I will endeavour to get back to you within 24h. Also, you may find helpful to read my blog on engaging (or not) in therapy: https://privatetherapy.london/2019/03/29/to-engage-or-not-to-engage-in-therapy-that-is-the-question/

I also provide a free 15 min telephone consultation where we can briefly discuss what brings you to therapy and what you'd like to get from it. If you're happy to continue, we can set up an initial session where we will discuss in more detail the focus of therapy. Please fee free to read this page, which I hope you find helpful: https://privatetherapy.london/what-to-expect/

If I believe I won't be able to help you, I will let you know and will try to refer you to a colleague.

Training, qualifications & experience

- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry (King’s College London), including extensive training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT);

- PhD in Psychology (Keele University);

- Training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

- Training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT);

- Training in Solution Focused Therapy;

As a Clinical Psychologist, I am trained in different therapeutic approaches and I would, therefore, be able to provide you with a tailored-made psychological intervention that suits your individual needs.

In addition to my private practice, I work in the National Health System (NHS). I have specialised working with adults and have worked with clients from a range of ethnic and religious backgrounds.