Licensed to practice in California and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Women's Issues and 5 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, My name is Ana. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist certified by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. I have been practicing as a therapist for over 16 years. I can help people who experience symptoms of anxiety and depression learn to develop better coping skills and a healthier mindset. I create a non-judgmental, open, safe space where you'll feel heard and validated. Empathy is central to how I work, and I incorporate humor when appropriate because I believe laughter is essential to healing. I can also be challenging when needed to help you grow.
Our first session is about creating a comfortable space and getting to know each other. We'll focus on establishing a positive therapeutic alliance so you feel safe and supported as we begin working together. I will ask you questions about your symptoms, background and history to get a better understanding of you, as a person. I'll ask about your goals and we'll collaborate to create realistic, helpful objectives for your therapy journey. We'll work together to ensure your goals reflect what matters most to you and support meaningful progress.
As a marriage and family therapist with more than 16 years of experience, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience into the therapy room. My own experiences with loss and mental health challenges have deepened my understanding of what it means to struggle, heal, and grow. While I don't make therapy about my story, these experiences help me connect with clients in a genuine and compassionate way. I strive to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and accepted, even when discussing difficult emotions or relationship challenges. At the same time, I believe meaningful change sometimes requires gentle honesty and accountability. I am not afraid to challenge unhelpful patterns, ask difficult questions, or encourage clients to step outside their comfort zones when it serves their goals. Humor is also an important part of my therapeutic style. When appropriate, I use humor to build connection, offer perspective, and help clients approach life's challenges with greater flexibility and self-compassion. My approach balances empathy, authenticity, and directness, helping individuals, couples, and families feel supported while also moving toward meaningful change.
My ideal clients are individuals who are open to change, growth, and self-discovery. They recognize that while their past experiences may have shaped them, they do not want those experiences to define their future. They are ready to move forward, develop new perspectives, and create healthier patterns in their relationships and daily lives. These clients are motivated to engage in the therapeutic process, willing to explore challenges with curiosity and honesty, and committed to making meaningful changes that support greater well-being, connection, and fulfillment.
Other specialties
I identify as
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
I use Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs that contribute to emotional distress and problematic behaviors. REBT is based on the idea that it is often our interpretations and beliefs about events—not the events themselves—that drive our emotional reactions. Together, we examine rigid or irrational beliefs, develop more flexible and realistic ways of thinking, and practice new coping strategies that support healthier emotional and behavioral responses.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, collaborative approach that helps clients identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to emotional distress.
Supportive
Supportive therapy is a broad, flexible approach focused on helping clients maintain or improve functioning, cope with stressors, strengthen existing strengths, and reduce emotional distress.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on helping clients understand how unconscious processes, past experiences, attachment patterns, and internal conflicts influence their current thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behaviors.