Ana Mena
Therapist
Pronouns: She/Her
Licensure: Therapist
Location: Rhode Island & Georgia
Language: Spanish & English
Fee:
Sliding Scale: Available
Insurance:
Accepting New Clients: Yes
Specialties:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness techniques
ABOUT ME
Ana is a compassionate and dedicated therapist who brings a unique perspective to her practice. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she immigrated to New York City as a teenager, an experience that has shaped her understanding of the challenges and resilience of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Ana's personal journey informs her practice, allowing her to approach her clients with a profound wisdom and a deeply caring heart.
As a natural activist, Ana fights for the rights of those who face discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, gender expression, social status, and various bodily abilities. She is passionate about advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and works tirelessly to combat the everyday violations they face. Ana particularly enjoys working with individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, women, and refugees, recognizing the unique needs and experiences they bring to therapy.
Ana earned her Master's degree in Social Services from the University of New England and her Bachelor's degree from Georgia State University. She has a diverse range of clinical approaches that she incorporates into her practice. These include psychodynamic/insight-oriented therapy, talk therapy, solution-focused therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Ana's relational and attachment-focused approach emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the connection between herself and her clients. She understands the value of creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and validated.
Outside of her professional life, Ana finds joy in spending time with her family. She also has a deep love for the arts and frequently engages in crafting and repurposing items during her free moments. Ana believes that engaging in creative activities can be a valuable coping skill, especially during challenging times when clarity may be elusive. By occupying the mind with creativity, individuals can find solace and discover new ways to navigate their experiences.
Why I Do This Work
“I chose this work because I have seen how healing deepens when it is rooted in culture, language, and lived experience. My passion is in creating safe spaces for people whose stories and identities may not have always been honored.”
— Ana Mena
My Approach in Practice
In our sessions, I might invite you to pause and check in with your body, noticing any sensations or emotions present in the moment. From there, we could explore what comes up using Internal Family Systems, perhaps meeting and listening to different parts of yourself with curiosity and compassion. Some days, we might use art-making or narrative exercises to give voice to experiences that feel difficult to put into words. Other times, somatic grounding or breathing practices can help you feel safe and regulated before moving into deeper work. My goal is to co-create a space where you feel supported to explore at your own pace, with room for both vulnerability and growth.
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CBT, mindfulness practices, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), narrative therapy approaches, talk therapy, and trauma-informed care techniques. These modalities aim to empower clients by providing tools for self-exploration, emotional healing, and personal transformation within a culturally sensitive and supportive environment.
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Assisting clients in developing healthier responses to stress, acquiring skills for emotional regulation, and fostering personal growth.
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How We Can Work Together
Clients often reach out when they are:
Facing significant life changes and want to build stability and supportive routines.
Exploring or reconnecting with their identity, including cultural roots, values, and self-understanding.
Feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns and wanting to uncover triggers and practice new ways of responding.
Living with the effects of trauma or dissociation and seeking skills for nervous system regulation and resilience.
Navigating eating disorders or disordered eating and wanting a more compassionate, sustainable relationship with food and their body.
No matter the reason, my focus is on creating a collaborative process that moves at your pace and honors your lived experience.
