Anna Costa, MA, LCMHC, NCC

Adolescents, Adults, and Family Therapist

Virtual only

My name is Anna Costa and thank you for considering working with me as your counselor. I work individually and in groups with adolescents, adults, and families. I approach counseling from a person-centered theoretical background, meaning I believe that each person has within themselves the tools to grow, change, heal and improve. It is my goal to help individuals access those personal resources and grow in their personal self-efficacy. This is a process that takes place throughout a lifetime. Self-awareness and self-efficacy, while goals in the counseling relationship, are difficult to achieve and will take time, energy, and client engagement as well as work. As the counseling relationship becomes more effective, clients feel that they are able to face life's challenges with the resources in their own possession.

While I am trained and rooted in person-centered counseling, I also draw on other counseling theories and techniques in my practice. I work in both a school and private practice setting. Each setting demands a different set of tools and clinical framework. In my school practice, I utilize brief solution-focused therapy techniques and motivational interviewing to meet the needs of many students in a shorter time period. In private practice where there is more time to partner with clients on specific goals, I approach clients from a family systems perspective to identify existing patterns, work to set goals or changes clients would like to implement in their lives, consider obstacles to these goals, and plan how to reach the desired goal. Cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques are also used as a supplement in both of my practices. I am also trained in EMDR - an evidence-based trauma treatment.

Because I believe that no person exists on an island, we may talk about things like your family, how you came to be the way you are, how you experience emotions, communication skills and more. Sometimes discussing these things can cause you to feel difficult emotions, and feelings may get worse before they get better. However, in coming to therapy, I believe that client’s are taking a brave step in prioritizing their mental health and wellness and we will partner to work towards healing. I strive to bring my whole and authentic self to the counseling relationship in hopes of creating a safe, genuine, and healing space. I hope you will join me!

Anna Costa