Hello & Welcome,
If you are looking for support with mental health issues or feelings of increased stress and frustration, I am here to help. Taking the step to seek professional help can be a big step to take, as it requires you to make some changes. By reaching out beyond your immediate circle, you have already shown great courage. It's important to find a qualified, skilled, experienced, and accredited practitioner. Equally important is finding someone you can connect with, who listens with genuine understanding and empathy. I strive to be that practitioner who supports you in achieving your goals, coping, healing, and ultimately growing. Based on my experience, these are the catalysts for change that I offer my clients.
At a young age I spent many of my years studying abroad in a boarding school in Switzerland and then moved to England. During my undergraduate degree, studying psychology fascinated me; I became passionate about it. I successfully achieved my BA Psychology & Management with emphasis on International Business degree with a 1st Class Honours from Regent’s University London. In the end of 2017, I completed my MSc Psychological Studies (conversion) at the University of Glasgow, which qualifies me for BPS. At the same time, I was undertaking Hypnotherapy & Counselling Skills from the Chrysalis Courses. I have demonstrated further interest in Counselling by continuing with the Counselling Skills & Theory course and concluded my studies on Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling from the Chrysalis Courses, completing a final phase of training to be a qualified counsellor.
As an accredited Psychological Counsellor, with a Master’s degree; I am experienced in multiple models of therapy to tailor my therapy style according to my client’s needs, goals and what works best for them. We refer to this as an integrative approach. However, I am more drawn to offering a holistic approach and using techniques from evidence-based therapy like CBT in my sessions, which my clients find very helpful. Trust and mutual respect is central to my way of working along utmost professionalism.
I have extensive experience working with adults individually from all types of backgrounds and cultures. I offer counselling in English and Portuguese. I specialize on self-esteem, depression and anxiety, yet I also work with a range of different issues. I faced a life crisis: I recognized that I was depressed and became an expert by experience. I decided to seek help of a general practitioner and therapist as soon as I realized something was off. Having studied the mind in depth, I became aware of the importance of having the support from professionals and family, which made me ask for help. However, I used alcohol, drugs, and smoking as ways to cope with the world. It was Counselling that made the difference. My therapist made me see the reality of my situation remaining non-judgemental and impartial, helping me cope and deal with my issues, and take my life in a more positive direction. Seeking professional help can seem like a big step to take, as it requires you to make some changes, which is not easy. But having professional help is the best way to find the support you need to help you change. Only with positive changes you can improve the length and quality of your life for the better. Given how well my service suits your needs, I think we could do some great work together. Together we can find a way through the issues you present.
I look forward to working with you,
Ana
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Coaching, ADHD, Attachment issues, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Eating and Food-Related Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Immigration Issues, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders , Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Phobias, Postpartum Depression, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-Harm, Self-love, Sex Addiction, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Smoking/Vaping Cessation, Social anxiety and phobia
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness Therapy
NCPS Therapist - Accredited Member (MNCPS Accred) #NCS16-04149
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Ana Castro. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I have progressed a lot since I first started working with Ana. She listens to my concerns and validates them, she is empathetic and offers me plenty of solutions and helpful advice as on how to move foward. Following her advice has helped me find new ways to cope with my struggles and learn new healthy habits.
Written on Apr 28, 2024 after therapy with Ana for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Ana is a great therapist. She is the third person I’ve tried and I’m 100% sticking with her. She gets straight to business and actively listens to your concerns, while also asking thought provoking questions. I also love that she ends every session giving me “homework” of things to consider and ask myself during the time between our next session.
Written on Mar 21, 2024 after therapy with Ana for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, and coping with life changes
I am truly grateful for the exceptional therapeutic support I have received from Ana Castro. As someone who has experienced the aftermath of the war in Israel, finding a therapist who not only listens but also employs a diverse range of effective psychological techniques has been instrumental in my healing journey.
Ana's empathetic and attentive approach to therapy has made each session a safe space for me to express my thoughts and emotions. Her commitment to utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), meditation, and other psychology techniques has been incredibly impactful in addressing the trauma I've faced. It's evident that she tailors her approach to suit the individual needs of her clients.
The incorporation of CBT has provided me with practical tools to reframe my thoughts and manage challenging emotions, fostering a sense of empowerment and control over my own mental well-being. Ana's expertise in meditation has introduced a calming and grounding element to our sessions, offering me a valuable avenue for self-reflection and mindfulness.
I attend sessions with Ana on a weekly basis, and each encounter feels constructive and beneficial. Her guidance has played a pivotal role in helping me overcome the difficulties that arose from the war in Israel. Through her support, I've experienced significant personal growth and am better equipped to navigate the challenges that life presents.
Ana Castro's dedication to her clients' well-being is truly commendable. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a therapist who not only listens attentively but also employs a holistic approach that encompasses various therapeutic techniques.
Written on Jan 31, 2024 after therapy with Ana for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and sleeping disorders
Ana Castro was very helpful and provided me with valuable advice, recommendations on practical steps to get me moving from my state of stagnation and depressive state. She showed understanding to my situation, genuin care, and was very motivational and professional in her approach. I highly recommend her as a therapist.
Written on Nov 15, 2022 after therapy with Ana for 6 days on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Ana Castro has been helpful and professional in giving me in-site on how to manage anxiety and stress. While setting helpful weekly goals based on the current session & for the coming week. Would highly suggest her for help with stress and anxiety.
Written on Jul 26, 2022 after therapy with Ana for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and anger management