Dr Ana Costa
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
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 ten 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:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Communication difficulties
- Stress and burnout
- Relationship issues
- Eating disorders and Disordered eating
- Trauma
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety
- Anger
- Work-life balance
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 (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://dranacosta.com/blog/to-engage-or-not-to-engage-in-therapy/
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. This provides an opportunity for both of us to decide whether (or not) to continue working together. If you'd like to engage in therapy with me, then we can set up an initial session where we will discuss in more detail your personal circumstances, the focus of therapy, and everything that is relevant to YOU.
The way I work is not just about treating your symptoms, but instead treating you as a whole individual with the complexity and idiosyncrasies that you entail.
Also, 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.
If you have any questions at all (no matter how big or small they might be!), please feel free to ask me, by emailing me: ana@dranacosta.com
I endeavour to get back to you within 24h.
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 have worked in the UK National Health System (NHS). I have specialised working with adults and have worked with clients from a range of ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£100.00 per session
Free initial telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Video call appointments:
£100 - individual session
£80 - individual session if you are unemployed, low income or F/T student
When I work
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I currently offer remote therapy appointments via video call. This gives clients the flexibility to have therapy in the comfort of their own home.
My working hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Further information
Please feel free to email me to check availability or to ask any other questions you may have. I'm always happy to answer any questions or to give you further information about the type of therapy I do prior to a client engaging in psychological therapy! It's so important that you feel listened to, so you're better able to make an informed decision. (I have engaged in therapy myself and I know it can be nerve-wrecking to choose a suitable therapist). I will endeavour to get back to you within 24 hours.