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.Support WHEN YOU WANT IT—
An alternative to therapy for people who don't need therapy.Professionally licensed to practice psychotherapy. (But not.)Not diagnosing or digging into the past. Respectfully informed, harnessing emotions and working on growing through whatever you're going through, building resilience and 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. Not everyone needs therapy. 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.Having autonomy, authenticity, and living with intention and alignment is vital. 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.

Embodiment. Connection

More

For people who see and need to be seen... People who understand there is more underneath and beyond the veil. People busy being professionals who care about staying connected. For the feelers and thinkers and seekers, and more….

Working together  is not defined for you. It is a collaboration created with your input. As authorities of our own lives—our experiences and emotions—working with an ally can uncover truths hard to reach alone. Sometimes those truths include moments when we're disconnected from our own authority. As we work together, what resonates with you may shift. There’s space for that.You seek support when something shakes the status quo—life transitions, situations with other people or roles and careers, feeling stuck or blocked, at a crossroads, grieving a loss... But you don't need to wait until there's a 'problem', and it's not necessary to have an end goal to take stock in your life.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 meaningful within the mundane. 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 underneath, lay a sturdier foundation, and Become—a more resilient, healed, whole, true version of yourself.Because we participate—actively or passively—in what's created in our lives. And what underlies how you experience the world and other people is the relationship you have with and within yourself. 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. What emerges is transformational.But as 'practice' turned into systems that are industrialized and routine, what’s lost is the heart and soul. (The "spiritual" in a biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective, and the reason I don't use the term 'session'.)More intentional and presence-focused. Conscientious of culture, language, and mindset shifting. Physically informed and somatically aware. In dialogue, incorporating mindfulness and related practices as fitting, the collaboration is 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

Not every situation requires clinical support. Not everyone needs to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder.* People who perhaps have been there, done that, people who are busy adulting with schedules and careers and travels, people who seek support and strive for More need more viable options. 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.

*clinical depression/anxiety, PTSD, Addiction, etc.

why not I am a therapist

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—one which assumes the 'expert' seat. So, Not "I am a therapist." I am a person Not working as therapist, and I never announced myself in that way when I did. We are all human, being, and the person in me recognizes the person in you.

The aim, instead ➚

some background

Who I am

I'm a real person who really cares—not a professional persona, not a formulaic commercial (thus More info not bullet points). For more on that and to play, visit my glob➚. 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.)PS. She INFP they user of dark mode and ellipses ... Animal lover (seriously🤗) with a deep respect for the natural world. Naturally registering and translating 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.  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.

Rite of passage ↗︎

Let's Connect

Free consultations should be standard practice for any service. The Calendar icon below directs to my booking site where you can get more info about meeting, as well as schedule a time for us to chat about how we'd work together—a simple conversation to see if Not doing therapy together would be a good fit. There's no 'program' to sign up for or schedule to adhere to if it is. And if we find out something else may be better suited for you right now, that’s fine too. What’s better for you is what's best.

Additional info can be found in FYI.

☟ Calendar

Questions? ➠ email ana (me;)

FYI, no third-party tracking or analytics are used on this site—meaning I'm not trying to find out what you're doing or where you are. Clicking on the icons above will direct you to the TidyCal Calendar and Instagram page, which have their own Privacy Policies: TidyCal/Instagram.
For more, please visit Privacy.

Ana with the sky on a hike.
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•••

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 holistic 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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rite of passage

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 my practical background because if I were seeking support, I would want to know. And, 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, examination—and everything in between—to becoming professionally licensed. 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 (industries that commoditize care and focus on treating symptoms rather than seeing people), I ultimately diverged—furthering my own growth, knowledge, expansion. Becoming more whole. Which brings us here.

Privacy

is important

Last updated: 2026 Aug 26We do respect everyone's privacy.Information Not Collected/Cookies
No information is being requested. And, as noted in the Contact section, no third-party tracking or analytics are used on this site—you're not being watched, tracked, or profiled here.
• The hosting platform may keep minimal/anonymous technical logs for security. (Automated—no human eyes on you.)
• A "strictly functional" cookie might be set to keep things secure while you browse.
• Links lead off-site to other domains with their own practices—we don't control or track those.Information you provide
When you reach out/book to Connect:
• Will be used for regular contact and to provide services.
• Will not be shared, sold, rented, or distributed in any way.
• Messages travel encrypted; platforms use industry-standard security.
• Information is retained as long as needed for active work together.
• You can request deletion at any time.Information you provide third-party platforms
When you use scheduling, payment, or other external tools:
• Is stored on their secure sites under their policies.
• Please reference their privacy policies for details.You're welcome to email if you have questions about your information.Be well.

Terms

of service

Last updated: 2026 Aug 26Welcome. These are the Terms of Use for this site. By accessing and using this website and services, you agree to the Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use this site.Regarding Working Together: If we decide it's a fit after the Free Consultation➚, a Welcome Agreement—detailing our work together and terms of service—will be sent to you via email, for your review, prior to engaging in any paid meetings. (FYI, unlike therapy, conversations are not legally privileged—though everything shared is held in strict confidence.)Website Content and Use
The information on this website is intended for adults (age varies by region) and is for general informational and educational purposes only. 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 in the disclosure following the Contact section, 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. This website is guided by the laws of the State of California. The terms of our working relationship are outlined in the Welcome Agreement you'll be emailed before booking. The Welcome Agreement you'll receive before beginning services takes priority — as it's the document that names us and what we'd do together. If you have questions, you are welcome to email.

FYI

I trust you know your own rhythm, and this is not therapy—you don’t need to check in when you schedule, plan a vacation, or want to meet more or less frequently. In therapy, the 50-minute ‘hour’ was standard. Even after years of meeting, it understandably was often awkward for people to begin and/or end 'session' as it was a departure from life’s everyday business. I provide the full hour—creating space to open and close in ways that resonate with you. And options for longer or shorter bookings are available. This flexibility makes it convenient for you to stay connected while navigating the ins and outs of the everyday—as well as unexpected situations that arise.

Life happens. Addressing a situation, processing it and the feelings you experience, prevents things from accumulating and compounding—it helps to keep you healthy and in flow. Emotional, psychological, ‘mental’ health is not prioritized or perceived in a ways that physical health is. Just as muscles need warming up before exercise or sport, stretching and training to build strength/prevent injury, the same can be done for one’s inner world. Doing the work increases mobility and resilience—your form strengthens. And, in life, the game is always on.

A sampling of some "You's" with whom I've worked:

  • ✦ You are reflective, introspective, have experience with therapy.
  • ✦ You may be described as a high achiever or overachiever. You overwork, are exacting, perfectionistic—only excelling is good enough.
  • ✦ You live / work in the arts and creative fields.
  • ✦ You've been the caretaker. Thinking of yourself is secondary at best. Creating boundaries/making choices that benefit you can be challenging.
  • ✦ You’re successful and intelligent—other people might know it more than you—possibly feel something continues to be just out of reach, or off.
  • ✦ 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. Living consciously, knowing yourself, is meaningful and important.

After the Free Consultation, if 'not doing therapy' together 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.

We'll have video or audio meetings via a secure, encrypted online platform (I'll provide my personal link). And for people who have an ongoing working relationship, I offer live chat.

I am licensed to practice therapy and choose to work outside the paradigm. Therapy requires mental health diagnosis and clinical structure. Coaching focuses on attaining specific goals through ‘training’ or guidance. I understand that people’s needs are diverse... For people who don’t need clinical treatment and aren’t looking for a directive program, I offer a collaboration that is accessible and professional: support without diagnosis, flexibility with professional standards. I believe that skill, professionalism, and care depend on the individual, regardless of background.

  • For context and clarity:
  • • To be licensed to practice therapy, you must complete thousands of hours of supervised work, pass examinations, and maintain industry standards.
  • • A mental health diagnosis is required for therapy, and, if you use insurance, the company has a right to your confidential records.
  • • Currently, coaching, life mentoring, and healing practices require no formal credentials. Anyone can begin offering services.
  • • 'Certification' acknowledges the completion of a program—not a regulated standard.

    • 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. Being distracted and/or dissociated lead to disconnection, bodily and otherwise. Having awareness increases the authority you have in your life... It provides you the ability to have 'control'—the chance to choose how to respond instead of being reactive.

  • How do you exist in your body at this moment? Leaned in or back perhaps ・shoulders active or released ・what's the quality of your breath... 🕊️