Dr. Ana Cristina Atanes, BACP

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people identify what matters to them and take small steps in that direction despite difficult thoughts or feelings. It is useful for stress, anxiety and low mood because it focuses on values and action rather than trying to eliminate feelings. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and offers concrete exercises to change unhelpful patterns. It often helps with panic, sleep problems and rumination by teaching simple strategies to test and shift thinking. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and gentle self-compassion practices that reduce reactivity and support coping with burnout and compassion fatigue.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and then try out methods together. Adjustments are made as progress is reviewed, so the plan stays aligned with what the person needs and can use in daily life.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to provide flexible options. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and exercises, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, chat or messaging suits brief check-ins and ongoing support, and text conversations can fit around a busy day. These formats make it easier to keep continuity of care across locations and schedules while focusing on practical skills and steady progress.