Meet Ana
Hi, my name is Ana(she/her)
Addictions, ADHD, Adolescent Issues, Anger Management, Anxiety or Fears, Autism, BIPOC and Cultural Issues, Body Image, Boundary Setting, Break-ups, Burnout, Career, Childhood Trauma, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, Dissociation, Divorce, Domestic Abuse or Violence, Eating Disorders, Emotional Abuse, Family Conflict, Gambling, Grief & Loss, Identity, Immigrant Experience, Infertility or Adoption, Infidelity, Interpersonal Challenges, LGBTQIA+, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, Men’s Issues, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Parenting, Perfectionism, Personality Disorders, Prenatal & Postpartum Counselling, PTSD, Self-Esteem, Self-Development, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addiction, Shame, Social Anxiety, Spirituality, Suicidal Thoughts, Stress, Women’s Issues
Art Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Counselling, Exposure and Gottman Couples Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, Somatic Therapy
Hello, my name is Ana, I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling (MPCC).
I have over 16 years experience working with children and families, bringing a client-centered, trauma-informed and compassionate approaches into the relationship with my clients.
I have a master’s degree in clinical psychology; I worked for over 10 years in my home country -Portugal – in a nonprofit agency with children and families. Currently, I am also working in a nonprofit agency with children, youth and families impacted by complex trauma (C-PTSD) since 2021.
I am very passionate about using Play Therapy as my main therapeutic approach when working directly with young children with influences of Carl Rogers, Dr. Garry Landreth, Lisa Dion.
In my therapy sessions with children, I provide the conditions for the child to develop a sense of competence, to improve their coping mechanisms, decision-making, self-control, more positive self-concept. Problems are acted out through play in the relationship with the therapist. I also provide parent/caregiver support sessions along the process.
I am also trained to work with adults and couples using Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) and Attachment-based approaches, applying attachment science to support clients going through relationship issues, dating, marriage and divorce.
I am a divorced mom, I have two teenagers (boy and girl) whom I co-parent part of the time.
In my free time I am a yoga practitioner, I love to be in nature, I’m a coffee shop hopper with the company of a book, I go for long walks with a podcast, bike rides, time with kids and friends.
I offer in-person sessions in downtown office. Please reach out to book a complimentary 15-minute consultation so we can connect and I can help you with any questions.
RCC#19174
Education & Training
Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (Registration#19174)
- Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling (MPCC) with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA). (Member #4404)
- Bachelor’s and master’s degree in clinical psychology from CESPU University (Paredes, Portugal).
- Post-Graduation Degree, with specialization in Couples Therapy and Clinical Sexology, delivered by InsPsic Portugal (Instituto Português de Psicologia e Outras Ciências), Porto, Portugal, addressing themes like Intimacy, Desire, Sexual Relationships, Divorce.
- Training in Client Centered Psychotherapy Approach (12 hours/month in a total of over 500 hours of training over 4 years) delivered by the Portuguese Society of Client Centered Psychotherapy and Person-Centered Approach, under the direction of Dr. João Marques-Teixeira (PhD, Psychiatrist).
Expressive Play Therapy for Complex Trauma with Marie-Jose Dease.
Complex Trauma Certification Training (C-PTSD) with Dr. Janine Fisher, level 1 and 2, PESI-Canada.
Attachment Centered Play Therapy with Clair Mellenthin (BCPTA).
Transforming Trauma with Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) with Dr. Leanne Campbell.
EFT (Emotional Focused Therapy): Attachment Science in Practice, with Dr. Sue Johnson and her team.
Connect Facilitator Workshop: An Attachment Based and Trauma Informed Program for Parents and Caregivers, delivery by Dr. Marlene Moretti.