Dr Ana Costa - Registered Clinical Psychologist
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.
Member organisations
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.
Health and Care Professions Council
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
Face-to-face, video call, and telephone appointments:
£100 - individual session
£80 - individual session if you are a F/T student
Concessions offered for
Further information
I currently offer appointments on Fridays (all day). In addition, I provide telephone and online therapy on other weekdays.
Please feel free to email me to check availability or ask any other questions. I will endeavour to get back to you within 24 hours.
Attendance Policy
Appointments cancelled with more than 48 hours in advance will not be charged.
Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours in advance or no show will incur the full fee
