Ana Paula Castro-Papa
Hello, my name is Ana Paula. I am a bilingual (English/Portuguese) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate personal and relational challenges. My approach to therapy is rooted in understanding relationships and the patterns that can develop within families and other important relationships. I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help clients better understand their emotions, attachment needs, and relationship patterns. Together, we work to identify unhealthy patterns, strengthen emotional connections, and develop healthier and more meaningful relationships.
First session
In the first session, clients will have the opportunity to feel heard, understood, and welcomed in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. We will begin to explore what brought them to therapy, the challenges they are experiencing, and what they hope to gain from the therapeutic process. I also want to understand each client within the context of their relationships, culture, values, and life experiences. Together, we will begin identifying patterns, emotions, and relationship dynamics that may be affecting their well-being. My goal is for clients to leave their first session feeling that they have been truly listened to and that they have a compassionate partner who will walk alongside them as they work toward meaningful change.
Strengths
One of the strengths I bring to each session is compassion and the ability to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. I help clients explore and address past experiences and trauma that may be affecting their current relationships with loved ones and family members. I believe therapy is a collaborative process. I see myself as a compassionate companion who walks alongside my clients as they work through challenging issues, develop a deeper understanding of themselves, and build healthier relationships. My goal is to help clients feel heard, supported, and empowered as they work toward the healthy and fulfilling relationships they desire.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is open to the therapeutic process and willing to work collaboratively as we begin this journey together. I welcome clients who are ready to explore their emotions, experiences, relationships, and personal growth in a safe and supportive environment. It is especially important to me that clients feel comfortable bringing their culture, values, traditions, and life experiences into therapy. I believe that understanding a client within the context of their culture is an essential part of providing meaningful and effective therapy. My goal is to create a space where every client feels respected, understood, and valued for who they are.
Treatment methods
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
In my sessions, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help clients understand the emotions and attachment needs underneath their behaviors and relationship patterns. I help clients slow down, identify and express their deeper emotions, and recognize the cycles that may be creating distance or conflict in their relationships. Together, we work toward developing healthier ways of communicating and responding to one another. I create a safe and compassionate space where clients can explore vulnerable emotions, understand their needs, and build stronger and more secure connections. I also incorporate each client's culture, values, and personal experiences into the therapeutic process because I believe these are important parts of understanding the whole person.
Interpersonal
I can help you address and resolve past traumatic issues so that they stop interfering with your current relationships with your loved ones and family. It is all about having a compassionate companion who can help you address challenging issues in order to create the healthy relationships you desire.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
When incorporating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into sessions, my goal is to help clients develop practical skills to better understand and manage their emotions, cope with difficult situations, and improve their relationships. We focus on mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. I help clients become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns while learning healthier ways to respond to challenging situations. DBT also emphasizes balancing acceptance with change, allowing clients to develop greater self-compassion while working toward meaningful and sustainable changes in their lives.
Child-Parent Psychotherapy
When working with children and parents, I focus on strengthening the parent-child relationship and creating a safe space where both can feel heard and understood. I help parents better understand their child's emotions, behaviors, and needs while also helping children develop healthy ways to express their feelings and communicate with their parents. Together, we explore relationship patterns and identify behaviors that may be creating conflict or distance. I support parents in developing effective communication, setting healthy boundaries, and responding to their child's emotions with greater understanding and consistency. My goal is to help families build stronger emotional connections, improve communication, and create a more supportive and secure family environment. I also consider each family's culture, values, and unique experiences as an important part of the therapeutic process.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Licensed in
- ColoradoLicense MFT.0002307