Meet Dr. Ana

Ana Maria Verissimo-Prieto, M.D., M.A.

Dr. Ana Maria Verissimo-Prieto is a retired Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. She holds an M.D. from Brown University, an M.A. in Health and Healing from the Graduate Institute, and she is an approved consultant for the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

Dr. Verissimo-Prieto developed an Integrative Medicine Program at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center utilizing holistic mind-body therapies including mindfulness, guided imagery, hypnosis, and biofeedback. She received training in aromatherapy and M -technique hand massage as complements to mind-body therapies. Ana has a natural passion for wellness initiatives and has offered her integrative skills as a platform for their implementation within Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Ana enjoys traveling, gardening, and finding joy in nature. She writes poetry, short stories, and incorporates life lessons within her writing and teaching. Outside of her office, you’ll likely find Ana off hiking, kayaking, reading, birding with her husband Tom and their beloved Bernie-doodle, Wallis, or traveling abroad to visit her two sons, Tom and Nick.

Ana’s Philosophy

Resilience through Reflection is a philosophy that seeks to understand that life has its challenges but appreciates the power of mind-body skills like mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and imagery to enhance resilience and empowerment. These skills have the potential to enable a person to be an active participant in their own health and well-being.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Dr. Verissimo-Prieto has explored the benefits of MBSR, a structured program that combines mindfulness meditation and yoga. MBSR aims to reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and improve overall health. By integrating mindfulness practices into medical care, she has contributed to patient-centered approaches.

Mind Body Connection

Dr. Verissimo-Prieto emphasizes the mind-body connection in health and healing. She recognizes that mental and emotional well-being significantly impact physical health. Her research and teachings encourage patients and healthcare providers to consider the whole person, addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional and psychological aspects.

Mindfulness for Pain Management

Given her background in pain and palliative medicine, Dr. Verissimo-Prieto has explored mindfulness techniques for pain management. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, guided imagery, hypnosis, and deep breathing, can help individuals cope with pain, reduce anxiety, and improve their quality of life.

Disclosure: Please note that the services I provide are purely educational and not intended to be clinically based treatment. However, please feel free to share any relevant information or insights arising from our session with your physician, psychologist, therapist, and/or counselor as you deem appropriate and beneficial.

Awards & Certifications

  • American Board of Pediatrics ‘retired physician’ in ‘good standing’ 2022

  • American Academy of Pediatrics ‘retired physician’ 2022

  • Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine 2024

  • American Society of Clinical Hypnosis ‘Approved Consultant in Clinical Hypnosis’

  • Mindfulness Stress Reduction Certificate Course

  • Aromatherapy -R.J. Buckle Program Introduction Clinical Aromatherapy Kathy Duffy RN, Instructor

  • M-technique Hand and Foot Massage R.J. Buckle Program Karen Wexell RN, Instructor

  • HeartMath Biofeedback - Quick Coherence  

  • Center for Courage and Renewal Foundations, February 2024

  • Center for Courage and Renewal Practicum Program, August 2024

  • Move-Mindfully Program -introductory course.