Ana Donis
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. I believe that understanding how our past experiences shape our present emotions, behaviors, and relationships is an important part of healing. My therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic therapy with evidence-based, trauma-focused treatments, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I recognize that everyone's experiences, cultural backgrounds, and needs are different, which is why I tailor my approach to each client rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all method. I value cultural sensitivity and recognize how family dynamics, cultural beliefs, and personal experiences can influence our emotional well-being. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Therapy Is More Than Learning to Cope. My Approach Combines a Deeper Understanding of Your Past With Evidence-Based, Trauma-Focused Treatments to Help You Break Unhelpful Patterns, Heal From Difficult Experiences, and Create Meaningful Change.
I offer in-person sessions in El Dorado Hills and telehealth services throughout California.
First session
In therapy, you can expect a collaborative, supportive environment where we will work together to identify and achieve your personal goals. Each session offers a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment, helping you gain insights into your behavior and relationships. You'll learn practical coping strategies to manage daily stresses and address deeper issues, all at a pace that respects your unique journey. With a focus on cultural sensitivity and personal empowerment, our goal is to equip you with the tools needed to not just cope, but thrive in your life.
Strengths
As a therapist, I aim to create a warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic space for my clients. I take pride in fostering a supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions openly. With extensive training in various theoretical approaches like EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Therapy, I tailor treatment to meet the specific needs of each individual. My collaborative and client-centered approach empowers clients to actively participate in their therapeutic journey, setting and achieving goals aligned with their values. Moreover, I am dedicated to cultural competence and inclusivity, respecting individual differences and creating an inclusive space for clients from diverse backgrounds. My special interest in trauma allows me to address trauma-related issues with sensitivity and care, prioritizing safety and empowerment in the healing process. Ultimately, my primary goal is to empower clients to uncover their inner strengths, develop coping skills, and achieve personal growth and improved well-being.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who wants to better understand themselves and get to the root of the challenges they are experiencing, rather than simply managing symptoms. They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions and want to understand how their past experiences may be influencing their present lives. I enjoy working with individuals who are curious about themselves, open to self-reflection, and interested in making meaningful, lasting changes. I especially value working with clients who appreciate an approach that combines deeper self-exploration with evidence-based therapeutic practices. I don't expect clients to have all the answers or know exactly where to begin. What matters most is a willingness to engage in the process, explore difficult emotions at their own pace, and work toward greater self-awareness, healthier relationships, and improved emotional well-being.
Treatment methods
Psychodynamic
I'm drawn to psychodynamic therapy because it dives deep into the roots of psychological issues, many of which stem from childhood experiences. This approach resonates with me as it doesn't just skim the surface but aims to uncover and understand the underlying causes of current behaviors and emotional struggles. By exploring these foundational experiences, psychodynamic therapy helps to bring long-lasting change and personal growth, which is far more appealing than temporary fixes. It offers a profound insight into how past experiences shape our present, providing a clearer path to healing and self-awareness.
EMDR
I value EMDR therapy because it is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals process and integrate distressing experiences that may continue to affect their emotional well-being, relationships, and daily functioning. EMDR supports clients in reducing the intensity of trauma-related symptoms while fostering adaptive coping, resilience, and emotional healing. I appreciate its structured yet individualized approach, which allows treatment to be tailored to each client's unique history, strengths, and therapeutic goals. My focus is on providing a safe, collaborative environment where clients can process difficult experiences at a pace that feels appropriate and supports lasting change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. Together, we explore patterns of thinking that may contribute to anxiety, depression, self-doubt, or other emotional challenges. I help clients recognize and challenge unhelpful beliefs, develop healthier ways of responding to difficult situations, and practice new skills they can apply in their everyday lives.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions5170 Golden Foothill Pkwy, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 122828