LMHC, 7 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Ana Brito and I’m a therapist who works with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I also support clients facing career uncertainty or burnout, helping them reconnect with their values and move forward with clarity. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the Gottman Method for couples. I tailor each session to fit your needs, whether you’re looking for practical tools, emotional insight, or a safe space to process what’s weighing on you. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults; individuals who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply ready for change, even if they’re not sure what that looks like yet. In our work together, my goal is to help you feel more empowered, more connected to yourself and others, and better equipped to face life’s challenges with resilience and self-awareness.
Our first session is all about getting to know you, both as a person and within the context of what’s bringing you to therapy. I aim to create a space that feels supportive, respectful, and non-judgmental so that we can start building a strong therapeutic relationship from the very beginning. We'll start by discussing what led you to seek therapy right now and explore your hopes for the process. I’ll ask questions to complete an initial biopsychosocial assessment, which means we’ll look at different aspects of your life such as emotional well-being, physical health, relationships, family background, work or school life, and any past experiences that may be relevant. This helps me understand your concerns within the broader context of your life, not just as isolated symptoms. We’ll also begin identifying treatment goals together. You don’t need to have all the answers, we’ll clarify things as we go and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Most importantly, the first session is a time for you to get a feel for what it’s like to work with me. You’re welcome to ask questions, share any concerns, or just let the process unfold naturally. By the end of the session, we’ll have a clearer sense of where we’re headed and how we can work together to support your goals.
What often stands out about my approach is the balance I strike between practical strategies and deeper insight. I draw from evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the Gottman Method for couples, but I never take a one-size-fits-all approach. I tailor each session to fit your unique personality, background, and goals. Clients often tell me they appreciate having a therapist who is engaged, down-to-earth, and collaborative. I work to create a space that’s warm and non-judgmental while also gently challenging you to grow. We’ll work together to understand patterns, shift unhelpful thinking, and build skills that support lasting change. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or life transitions, my focus is on helping you move toward greater clarity, resilience, and fulfillment. My goal is not just symptom relief, it’s helping you live more in line with your values and feel more confident navigating your life.
I work best with individuals and couples who are ready to explore change, even if they’re not sure where to begin. My practice supports adolescents through adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or life transitions that feel overwhelming or confusing. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck, whether it’s due to persistent self-doubt, difficulty managing emotions, or recurring patterns in relationships that they’re ready to change. I also work well with clients who are high-functioning on the outside but experiencing internal stress, burnout, or a lack of direction. For couples, I provide a structured, supportive space to improve communication, rebuild connection, and resolve conflict. Whether you're dating, married, or somewhere in between, I help partners understand each other more deeply and work toward shared goals. In addition, I offer career counseling for clients who are feeling uncertain, unfulfilled, or ready to make a change. This may include clarifying values, exploring new paths, or building confidence in decision-making. If you're open to self-reflection, ready to build practical tools, and want a therapist who balances insight with action, we may be a good fit.
’ve gained experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through a combination of formal education, professional training, and direct client work. I use CBT by helping clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more adaptive ways of thinking. I tailor interventions to the individual's goals and presenting concerns, whether it's anxiety, depression, stress management, or emotional regulation.
I’ve developed experience with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) through formal training, self-directed study, and direct client work. My foundation in ACT began with learning its core principles, including psychological flexibility, mindfulness, values clarification, and committed action. In practice, I use ACT to help clients develop a healthier relationship with their thoughts and emotions. I introduce tools such as cognitive defusion, mindfulness exercises, and metaphors (e.g. “Passengers on the Bus”) to promote awareness and acceptance of difficult internal experiences. I also guide clients in identifying core values and setting committed actions that align with those values, even in the presence of discomfort.
I’ve gained experience in couples counseling through formal training, clinical work, and a deep interest in helping couples build stronger, healthier relationships. My approach is grounded in evidence-based methods, and I’ve completed Level 1 Training in the Gottman Method, which has significantly informed how I work with couples in session. In practice, I use Gottman-based interventions to help couples strengthen friendship and intimacy, manage conflict more effectively, and build shared meaning. Whether working with couples facing communication challenges, life transitions, or general disconnect, my goal is to help partners move from reactivity and blame to mutual understanding, emotional connection, and shared goals.