A symbol in zen buddhism called an ensō, a circle drawn open to represent continuous growth.

Become.  Live intentionally.

Not I am a therapist

Not therapy.  Not coaching.  Not artificial intelligence.  Not TikTok health.
An alternative to therapy. REAL SUPPORT WHEN YOU WANT IT with a real person who is experienced in and professionally licensed to provide psychotherapy. (But is Not.)Not diagnosing you or digging into past trauma but rather, respectfully informed, mindfully working on growing through whatever you're presently going through, learning to harness emotions, facilitating increased resilience, promoting healing and wholeness, gaining agency in co-creating your life. A collaboration towards self-actualization that is holistic and human—Not compartmentalized and clinical.Because everyone could use support but Not everyone needs therapy, and Not everyone wants 'life coaching'. There needs to be More...

Identity.  not labels

Not the system

Because you do not want to live unconsciously as a function in a system (including family systems). Because it does not serve you to be lumped into a prescriptive model or predetermined program.We do not fit into molds or belong in boxes. We need meaning and purpose.
Because autonomy, authenticity, living with intention and alignment, being whole-a person you know and can rely on, and home-safe in your own body, is precious.We do Not go through the motions. We choose to live an examined life.

More

Embodiment. Connection.

Working together should not be defined without your input.  Not putting limitations on what it could be as it depends on where you're at, and what you want and what resonates with you matters. People seek support when there is something to work through, a life transition—situations with other people, roles and careers, feeling stuck, artistic blocks, grief, loss—anything that disturbs the status quo; though you don't have 'wait' for disturbance. If emotional and psychological health were regarded as physical health is, cared for and strengthened....You don't need to have 'a problem' or an end goal to take stock in your life. You have the desire...to feel better, stronger, look at/sort through something, understand why you are the way you've been, get in touch with your inner child...explorations that increase awareness and contribute to having more 'control' of the only thing you really can in life: yourself.In my psychotherapy practice, I met with intelligent, creative, reflective people who sought support and continued on transformative journeys of individuation and self-actualization. The point is, there was no 'mental illness'. There's a place for therapy!  But it's not Here.

Regarding "growing through" events that may disrupt your equilibrium as they crack open the protective shell: it's an entry point, the opportunity to sort through what was latent, and lay a sturdier foundation; to fortify, to Become. A more resilient version of yourself, more healed, more whole, more true.Because—actively or passively—we do participate, impact and contribute to what's created in our lives... you have recurring experiences, reactions...end up in 'the same' relationships, jobs, situations ...Life doesn't happen to you. Life meets you as you are.Disrupting the program that's been running [you], less possessed and more purposeful, you are better able to make conscious choices and deliberately shape your life.Ultimately, what underlies how you experience the world and other people is the relationship you have with and within yourself. And an examined life is the difference between existing and living.

and more.. There's an alchemy in the coming together of two people with shared intention; the synergy is potent.Unfortunately, as 'practice' turned into systems that are increasingly industrialized and routine, what's sadly lost is the heart and soul. (The "spiritual" in a biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective, and a reason I don't use the term 'session'.) We are more than parts—biological, psychological, emotional, mental, social, cultural, intergenerational and more—all is interrelated, interconnected, interdependent.More intentional and presence-focused, more conscientious of language and mindset-shifting, more physically informed and somatically aware. In dialogue, incorporating mindfulness, breath work, body scans, visualization and/or more as fitting, we can collaborate in a depathologized, demystified process of personal development. With heart and soul.The message I received in the decisive moment of stepping in on a synchronistic path that included leading me into therapy, out of it, and Here: it is an Art.

Why Not

why not therapy

For good reason, therapy works with a particular structure and a fixed schedule. Not doing therapy, we can connect virtually wherever you are, and you have the flexibility and freedom to choose when and how often to meet. People who have perhaps been there, done that and seek support and strive for More, people busy adulting with schedules, careers, and travels, need more viable options. Everyone needs support, but not everyone needs to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder*. There is a place for good therapy in its various forms, and I recommend it for people it could serve (people needing help with *clinical depression and/or anxiety, PTSD, Addiction, or...); but it's not the end-all. No one thing is. In our complexities, we need various resources and, as dynamic, dimensional beings, we have diverse needs which shift as we grow through different stages of life's journey. Maybe you don’t need to be examined, strategized, probed anymore... Our personal, cultural, intergenerational past indisputably shapes and impacts us; we can be informed as we focus our energies on what is present and strengthening presence. Not pathologizing. Straight talking and analysing can serve you only so much and not every situation calls for the clinical service of psychotherapy.

why not I am a therapist

It's natural to operate with the implicit assumption that 'the expert' 'knows all'. "The expert" may do that as well. By stating, “I’m a therapist (or “I’m a doctor” or…), a person identifies themselves as a profession and disconnects from being human. They may adopt an ‘expertise’ that creates a sense of elevation and lose sight of the fact that they are first and foremost people and, automized in the assumed role, refer to their fellow people as “cases”—inevitably treating them as such—instead of regarding them as human: distinct, feeling, individuals who are unique and dynamic and have ever-changing circumstances and lives... From what I observed on my own professional journey, seeing the way people act professionally and experiencing the manner in which they behave privately, it became evident that "therapist" is its own persona... Regardless of occupation or 'training', ALL people are fallible and subject to the same or similar vulnerabilities in life; it serves us, each other, to respect that—and respecting that enables one to better listen to another. So, Not "I am a therapist." I am a person Not working as therapist [who never announced myself in that way when I did]. We are all human, being, and the person in me recognizes the person in you.

Who I am

some background

I am a person striving to be real who really cares—not a professional persona, not a formulaic commercial (so no 'speaking' in bullet points, More info, a why Not in case you wondered why "Not"). Regarding practical background, I worked as a psychotherapist in community mental health, with a Jungian analysts' group, and in private practice, and saw diverse, conscientious, talented adult individuals and couples—meaningful working relationships that spanned a great many years. I hold university degrees in Social Sciences–encompassing psychology and sociology, and Clinical Psychology–with a specialization in Spiritual and Depth Psychology. (The Spiritual and Depth Psychology Specialization explores the intersections between mindfulness-based therapy, Jungian-based analytic psychology, and socio-cultural diversity consciousness….honoring body-mind-spirit wellness.)I ticked all the right boxes and am legitimized by the 'powers that be' and I have observed that the number of post-nominal letters and degrees a person has (or the lack thereof) does not necessarily reflect a person's level of professionalism, integrity, or speak to their character. I share as, yes, I would want to know and also because the immense amount of work and dedication that goes into meeting the formal, highly regulated and state-governed requirements of academic and professional institutions is formative and foundational...However much gifted and talented and self-taught and life-learned, there's a distinct discipline that can come from traversing the long, arduous path of schooling, supervision, and examination to professional licensure....For someone whose learning was never bound by books, it was a rite of passage. My journey was not fueled by a surface goal of wanting 'to be a therapist' . . . therefore, the drive to keep growing kept me going. So, discontent with systems (including the healthscare one) and the medical model (e.g. blind focus on treating symptoms) aside, with great effort, I ultimately diverged, furthering my own growth, knowledge, expansion・ becoming more whole. Which brings us Here.PS. She INFP they user of dark mode and ellipses ... Animal lover (seriously🤗) with a deep respect for the natural world. Being inclined to register and translate information provided by my body has served me; with Tai Chi I learned to move inside.  Not really an 'online presence' trying to adapt and authentically provide in an oversaturated and increasingly commercialized/homogenized and artificial [in intelligence] world. (e.g. don't google/do photos now done website/did instagram.)  As told to me by others: You're an empath.  . . You are an Artist. .   Always, all ways, noticing➢ processing➢ learning➢ growing   and wishing for realness and kindness in the world.

Let's Connect

Free consultations should be common practice for any service. Clicking on the calendar link below will direct you to the booking site where you can schedule a time to chat and see if Not doing therapy together could be a good fit—or find out if something else may be better suited for you right now. What's better for you is what's best.

☟ Calendar

➠ email ana (me;)

Just pointing out no information is being collected here. FYI Not 'tracking' either (no analytics or whatever). Clicking on the icons above will direct you to the TidyCal Calendar and Instagram page, which have their own Privacy Policies: TidyCal/Instagram

Ana peeking into frame, rocks in the background.

Walking the walk = mentioned I don't do photos. "Websites have people pictures." On a walk, I saw a spot and thought it'd be nice for a photo. In the spirit of Being Real, sharing the surprise picture that was taken when I was 'staging'.🙃 If you are amused, perhaps we'd work well together. In any case, best wishes for the continued journey.

The information on this site is for educational and/or informational purposes only and not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional services. Likewise, the services offered are for personal development and well-being—they are Not intended to diagnose or treat any physical or mental health condition and they are Not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. I am NOT providing professional services for psychotherapy, and working together does not establish a client-therapist relationship.

。

the ensō : a circle containing everything and nothing. representing freedom, enlightenment, no-mind
. . it is an experience . .
drawn open in recognition of ongoing movement, symbolizing the continuous process of becoming.
♡

© 2026 Not a therapist, LLC

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Privacy

is important

Last updated: 2026 May 04We do respect everyone's privacy.Information Not Collected/Cookies
As noted in Contact, nothing is being gathered or collected on this site.
• Not tracking you.
• A "strictly functional" cookie serves as a security token to ensure the site functions securely.
• Clicking on links will take you to external sites that have their own cookie use/policies.
We prefer cookies with chocolate chips.Information you provide
when you reach out/book a meeting.
• Will be used for regular contact purposes and to provide services.
• Will Not be shared or sold or rented or distributed in any way.
Reasonable measures are taken to protect your personal information.Information you provide third-party platforms
when you use them for scheduling, payment, etc.
• Will be stored on their secure sites.
• Please reference their privacy policies/terms of services for information.
We have no control of external sites and are not responsible for their content, cookie-use, privacy practices, or otherwise.You're welcome to email if you have questions about your information.Be well.

The sky and Ana wearing a hat.

(And "staged") shadow mode.

Terms

of service

Last updated: 2026 May 01Welcome.. By accessing and using this website and services, you agree to the Terms of Use. (If you do not agree, please do not use this site.)Website Content and Use
The information on this website is intended for general informational and educational purposes only, for adults ages 18 and over. You agree you will not misuse the information or services provided.Intellectual Property
Unless otherwise stated, all content on this website is the property of this site. You may not copy, distribute, or reproduce any material without our written permission.External Platforms
This website contains links to external platforms. We are not responsible for the content or policies of external sites. Please reference their policies for information regarding their practices.Not therapy or profession/medical advice
As noted following Contact, the information on this website, and the services offered, are for personal development, growth, and well-being only. They are not a substitute for psychotherapy, medical care, or other professional services.No Promises or Guarantees
There are no promises or guarantees about the effectiveness or outcomes of any information or services that are provided. Individual experiences will vary and depend on factors beyond our control. By using our services, you acknowledge that we do not guarantee specific results or benefits.Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages that result from your use of this website or our services. This includes but is not limited to, financial loss, emotional distress, or perceived lack of results. Working together does not constitute a client-therapist or other legal business relationship. The decisions you make and the actions you do or do not take in your life are your own, and you are responsible for however you choose to implement any ideas or practices that arise from services.We reserve the right to change, modify, add or remove portions of these Terms of Use at any time. Your continued use of this website after changes are posted is your acceptance of the revised terms.These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California.
If you have questions about these Terms, you are welcome to email us.

FYI

Using depression to illustrate when we would work together vs when you may want to seek therapy:

  • ⒜ You feel depressed. vs  b. You're in a depression.
  • ⒜ Situational—you feel depressed in response to something that happened. vs  b. Chronic—you've been in a depressive state for a period of time.
  • ⒜ Not therapy. vs  b. Therapy.
  • Talking to someone about situations in life, processing them and the feelings you experience (vs they accumulate and compound), helps to prevent (a) from developing into b.

A sampling of some of the "You's" with whom I've worked (here come the bullet points):

  • ✦ You are reflective, introspective, have experience with therapy.
  • ✦ You've been the caretaker and it's difficult to think of yourself, care for yourself—the challenge is having boundaries and ‘permission’ to make choices that benefit you.
  • ✦ You’re successful and intelligent—other people might know it more than you—and possibly feel something continues to be just out of reach, or blocked.
  • ✦ You may be described as a high achiever or overachiever; you overwork, are exacting, perfectionistic—only excelling is good enough.
  • ✦ You work in the arts and creative fields. or want to.
  • ✦ You are diverse… In the family, in the world, you’ve been the outlier... ➚   Perhaps often misunderstood.
  • ✦ You need to take a beat and collect yourself in the midst of life's busyness (aka self-care).
  • ✦ You care about learning and growing. It's meaningful to live consciously and know yourself.

After the Free Consultation, if not doing therapy is a fit and you'd like to connect, you'll receive a Welcome/Agreement document and then can simply book times at your convenience! Naturally, continuity is conducive for change/growth (e.g. going to the gym once will only do so much), and having more experience with you will enhance our collaboration. That said, there is no obligation to schedule in any fixed way—you simply factor this into your desires and goals. Sometimes it's work in itself to take an adult time-out/ take-care-of-me time.

PS. Full disclosure since I used the reference: I've never had a gym membership.

  • • To be licensed as a therapist, it's necessary to complete thousands of hours of supervised clinical work to satisfy multiple categories of the profession.
  • • To be in therapy, you must have/be diagnosed with a mental health disorder and, if you use insurance, the insurance company has a right to the notes of your confidential sessions.

    • ⋯Outside of major depressive and anxiety disorders, treating severe and persistent mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, psychosis) was not part of my psychotherapy practice; because of that, and the majority of people I saw, I understand there is a need for people who may seek services but do not require clinical support.

  • • For currently unregulated practices (e.g. 'life coach', 'healer'), no special qualifications are needed—no education or training is required to offer services.
  • • 'Certification'/being 'certified' is an organization's acknowledgement that a person went through a program or course.

    • ⋯To note, all said and done, skill set, competency, etc. will always vary; ultimately, the level of care, professionalism, etc. that's given depends on the person providing it.

    A prelude to 'harnessing emotions'...

    Emotions are vital pieces of information. Noting the sensations in your body is a level of awareness that serves you.  You enter an environment and feel your heart beating, faster, harder. That sensation may be labeled as an emotion—perhaps fear, excitement, surprise—and that then may develop into a feeling—perhaps dread or eagerness, the anticipation of something 'bad' or 'good' happening... All this happens in 'no time' and being conscious of it gives you the chance to use the information to assess the situation, and yourself, instead of unconsciously plowing through it.

    If not dissociated, so much of the world is in a state of distraction; both lead to disconnection, bodily and otherwise. The lack of awareness in any capacity diminishes the agency and authority one may have in life, the ability to have 'control' and the chance to choose how to respond vs being possessed and reactive.

  • How do you exist in your body at this moment? Leaned in or back perhaps ・shoulders active or released ・ your breathing... 🕊️