About me
🌿 Helping adults overcome emotional difficulties and reconnect with what truly matters—through compassionate, evidence-based online therapy.
Welcome, and thank you for visiting my profile.
Life can be challenging at times, and when we face overwhelming thoughts or emotions, it’s not always easy to know where to turn. Therapy can be a powerful space to make sense of your experiences, develop healthier ways of coping, and reconnect with what truly matters to you.
With over a decade of clinical experience, I offer online therapy to adults across the UK (and internationally, where appropriate), making it easier to access support from the comfort of your own space.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to you as an individual—not just your symptoms. I provide therapy in both English and Portuguese, and I work with a wide range of difficulties, including:
Depression
Anxiety and panic
Low self-esteem
Trauma and PTSD
Disordered eating and eating disorders
Stress and burnout
Relationship and communication issues
Social anxiety
Anger
Work-life balance
Therapy with me is not just about feeling better—it’s about living better. Together, we’ll explore what’s important to you (your values), and take meaningful steps towards the life you want to lead.
How I Work
I believe therapy should be empowering. It’s a space where you can feel heard and supported, while also being gently guided towards growth and change.
In our sessions, we might work to:
- Understand how your difficulties developed and what keeps them going
- Learn new strategies to manage distressing thoughts or emotions
- Clarify your values and goals
- Take committed action toward what matters to you
My therapeutic style integrates evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy—always tailored to your unique needs.
I work exclusively online, which allows for flexible scheduling and a comfortable environment, whether you're based in the UK or abroad.
First Steps
Looking for a therapist can feel daunting—and that’s okay. You might still be unsure whether therapy is right for you, or perhaps you’re ready to get started.
I offer a free 15-minute consultation call so we can briefly discuss what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping to get out of it. This gives us both a chance to see whether we’re a good fit. If we decide to work together, we’ll begin with an initial session to explore your personal circumstances and therapy goals in more detail.
If at any point I believe another professional would be better suited to support you, I will be honest and help you find the right person.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions—big or small—please don’t hesitate to reach out. You’re welcome to contact me via email at ana@dranacosta.com, and I aim to respond within 24 hours.
You may also find it helpful to read my blog:
https://dranacosta.com/blog/to-engage-or-not-to-engage-in-therapy/
Training, qualifications & experience
I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry (King’s College London), with extensive training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I also hold a PhD in Psychology (Keele University). My training also includes:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Solution-Focused Therapy
In addition to my private practice, I have worked within the NHS, specialising in adult mental health and supporting clients from diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic 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.
