Ana is an experienced Psychologist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology science, a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, and a master’s in professional psychology from Monash University. She practices from a client-centred perspective and provides a nonjudgmental space for clients to address any areas of concern they may be experiencing. She provides a safe environment for individuals to be heard and respected and allows collaborative space.
Ana’s experience resides in working with families and Adults, helping them reach their therapeutic goals and addressing their needs and expectations. Ana has training in Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI). This initiative aims to develop prevention strategies that may lead to better mental health outcomes for children and family members of parents with a mental illness.
Ana excels in her work with children and adolescents, providing robust support to families navigating the complexities of growth and development. Her approach is tailored to meet the specific needs of young individuals, helping them build resilience and positive coping mechanisms. Through her dedicated efforts, Ana fosters an environment where both children and adolescents feel understood and supported. This supportive framework benefits the young individuals directly and strengthens family dynamics, enabling all members to thrive together. Ana’s commitment and expertise make her an invaluable resource to the families she works with, guiding them toward healthier relationships and enhanced mutual understanding. However, Ana does not work on any court-related matters and does not provide legal report writing. She is happy to work with families of divorced children without court-related issues.
Having recently become a parent herself, Ana deeply understands the challenges and emotional complexities faced by new parents, particularly young mothers. She recognizes the importance of supporting perinatal mental health and helping individuals navigate the significant life transitions accompanying parenthood. Ana is attuned to the various adult mental health issues that can impact family dynamics during these times. Her personal experience enriches her empathy and enhances her ability to provide targeted support to parents as they adjust to their new roles. With a focus on promoting emotional well-being, Ana is dedicated to assisting families in fostering healthy relationships and managing the stresses associated with these profound life changes.
Ana is well-trained in crisis intervention, having completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). She is equipped to guide families through crises, including separation and parental conflicts, aiding them in navigating these significant changes. Additionally, Ana has a background in working with children and teens diagnosed with high-functioning autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, and those experiencing challenging behaviours, chronic stress, or anxiety.
Her therapeutic approach incorporates a variety of evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. These modalities enable her to tailor her interventions to effectively meet the specific needs of her clients, fostering positive outcomes across diverse scenarios and client groups.