Ana Maria Leon Gomez Matute

LMHC, 30 years of experience

Warm
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Virtual
Next available on

About me

Life brings a wide range of experiences—some joyful and inspiring, others deeply challenging. At times, these moments can leave us feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or stuck. My goal is to offer you a safe and supportive space where you feel truly seen, heard, and understood. Building a strong, trusting relationship is at the heart of my work, as I believe that genuine connection lays the foundation for meaningful and lasting change. I draw on evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), relational therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation training. For children and adolescents, I also incorporate Theraplay. These approaches have been shown to support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal challenges, low self-esteem, and behavioral or emotional changes. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, and a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Manchester in England. I also have extensive experience as a therapist with diverse populations, as well as in the area of school counseling.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin building a strong therapeutic alliance. I’ll invite you to share what has brought you to therapy, what concerns you’re facing, and what you hope to change or understand more deeply. This time is also for me to learn about who you are—your goals, dreams, and the experiences that have shaped you. We may talk about your childhood, your relationship with your family and other important people in your life, and the journey that has led you to this moment. Together, we will begin outlining your initial therapy goals and explore what you hope to achieve through our work. My aim is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and ready to take meaningful steps toward growth and healing.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe my greatest strengths lie in my empathy and my ability to be fully present with clients throughout the therapeutic process. My life and professional experiences span work in several countries and with people of all ages and backgrounds. I have many years of experience supporting multicultural, multilingual, and diverse populations. My areas of expertise include stress management, anxiety, depression, children's behavioral and emotional challenges, learning differences and adoption.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Most of the clients I serve are moving through important life challenges or transitions. This may include navigating a major change, experiencing a grief process—whether from the loss of someone close or from shifts in family relationships—coping with divorce, or managing the complexities of parenting and upbringing. I am here to walk alongside you during these moments, offering support, understanding, and a safe space to process what you’re experiencing.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

ADHDChild or AdolescentHealth/Medical Issues

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach widely recognized as the gold standard in treating many psychological conditions. I often use CBT to support clients navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and stress. This method not only helps address emotional challenges but can also ease physical symptoms that are influenced by stress, such as migraines, back pain, and overall bodily tension.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness is grounded in the practice of staying connected to the present moment. It helps you shift attention away from worries about the past or concerns about the future, allowing you to be more aware of what is happening here and now. Mindfulness can be seamlessly integrated into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and its various forms are highly adaptable, making it a useful tool for many individuals.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

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