We were lucky to catch up with Ana Carla Laidley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ana Carla, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I decided to immigrate after separating from my first husband and because my father begged for my assistance after his turbulent divorce. Leaving behind my life as a teacher in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I thought I was embarking on a temporary journey to help my father. Little did I know this decision would alter the course of my life in profound ways.

Arriving in the United States was filled with uncertainty and emotional turmoil. I left my two-year-old daughter under my mother’s and ex-husband’s care, believing I would soon return to Brazil. However, life had other plans for me. I met my current husband while adapting to a new culture and helping my father. This unexpected encounter led to a new chapter in my life, and I decided to stay in the US.

The journey was not easy. The most challenging part was my separation from my daughter. It was a long and emotionally taxing seven years before I could bring her to join me in the United States. During this time, I had to navigate the complexities of immigration, build a new life, and cope with my profound longing for my child.

In my quest for identity and belonging in this new land, I found solace in Samba—a rhythmic dance that connected me to my cultural roots and became my emotional and physical anchor. Samba became my energy of life, my foundation. Each beat and movement allowed me to express my feelings, cope with the struggles, and connect with my ancestors. It served as a vessel for reconstructing my identity, blending my past with my present.

Learning more about myself and respecting my culture, I discovered I had become a bearer of the Samba traditions. Teaching Samba to others allowed me to contribute to its preservation and expansion, sharing its vibrant essence with a broader audience. Each class I taught was a step towards ensuring this beautiful art form would continue to thrive and evolve.

Through Samba, I discovered a community that shared my heritage and passion. This community became a second family, providing support and a sense of belonging in a foreign land. Samba was more than just a dance; it was a bridge between the life I left behind and the new one I was creating. It helped me process the pain of separation, the challenges of immigration, and the joy of reuniting with my daughter.

Taking the risk to immigrate was a monumental decision that involved significant sacrifices. It forced me to confront my fears, adapt to new environments, and ultimately, find strength within myself. This journey of risk and resilience has shaped who I am today, reminding me that there is always a way to find one’s footing and thrive even in the face of adversity. Today, I am based in Los Angeles, with a full psychotherapy practice, teaching at the Brasil Brasil Cultural Center, two classes per week, and a happy spouse, mother of three excellent, beautiful human beings (Two daughters and a son), a proud grandmother of three great, intelligent and beautiful grandchildren (a girl and two boys). I continued my search by studying at the C. G. Jung Institute of LA and acquiring my PsyD in Applied Psychology. I created the International Samba Congress, a well-known annual Samba encounter.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For folks who may not have read about me before, my name is Ana Carla G. Laidley, also known as Aninha Malandro. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and a passionate advocate for Samba culture. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I come from a family of sambistas—my father, Carlinhos do Pandeiro, was a renowned musician, and my mother, Ana Gomes, was a celebrated samba dancer.

Through personal and professional experiences, I became interested in psychology and Samba. After moving to the United States, I pursued a career in psychology, driven by my desire to help others navigate emotional challenges and find healing. My doctoral dissertation focused on the healing power of Samba, which led me to integrate my love for dance and music into my therapeutic practice.

I provide various services, including psychotherapy, psychological and forensic assessments, and Samba Healing Movement Therapy. My approach is culturally sensitive and holistic, addressing the psychological impact of immigration and trauma while promoting self-discovery and healing through Samba.

My unique blend of psychological expertise and deep cultural roots in Samba sets me apart. I am dedicated to preserving and expanding Samba traditions by teaching and promoting this vibrant art form. Through my work, I aim to dispel stereotypes and showcase the richness and heritage of Afro-Brazilian culture.

I am proud of my journey from Brazil to the United States and how I have used my skills and passion to impact others positively. My main goal is to help people reconnect with their bodies, minds, and spirits through the power of Samba, fostering a sense of belonging and joy.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back and reconsider my career path, I often think about the possibilities and the different ways I could have merged my interests and skills. While I am deeply passionate about my work as a psychotherapist and the impact I make through integrating Samba into therapy, there are a few other paths I might have pursued:

Medical Field: I deeply respect the medical field and the opportunity it offers to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Pursuing a medical career would have allowed me to combine my interest in the human body and mind, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Dual Degree in Psychotherapy and Law: I have always been fascinated by the intersection of psychology and law. A dual degree in psychotherapy and law would have enabled me to advocate for mental health within the legal system, work on policies, and provide crucial support to those involved in legal disputes.

Dual Degree in Psychotherapy and Acupuncture: Integrating traditional healing practices with modern psychotherapy is another intriguing path. A dual degree in psychotherapy and acupuncture would have allowed me to offer a comprehensive approach to healing, addressing both the mental and physical aspects of well-being.

That said, I am incredibly proud of my journey and the unique blend of skills and experiences I bring to my practice. My background in Samba and my heritage have allowed me to offer something truly special to my clients, blending cultural richness with therapeutic expertise. This path has not only helped me to heal others but has also been deeply fulfilling on a personal level.

Ultimately, every step of my journey has led me to where I am today, and I wouldn’t trade the connections I’ve made and the lives I’ve touched for anything. However, pondering how different paths could have shaped my professional and personal growth is always interesting.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation within the market has been built on integrity, a steadfast belief in life, and a profound conviction in the innate ability of human beings to heal. These core values have guided every aspect of my work and client interactions.

Integrity: I uphold the highest ethical standards in all my professional dealings. This commitment to honesty, transparency, and moral conduct has fostered trust and respect among my clients and colleagues. People know they can rely on me to provide compassionate, confidential, and effective care.

Belief in Life: I approach each day with a deep appreciation for the beauty and potential of life. This optimism and positivity are reflected in my interactions with clients, inspiring them to see the possibilities for growth and transformation in their lives. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is hopeful and empowering.

Ability of Human Beings to Heal: I have an unwavering belief in the resilience and healing capacity of the human spirit. My work is centered on supporting clients in accessing their inner strengths and resources to overcome challenges and achieve emotional well-being. I offer a holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit by incorporating culturally sensitive practices like Samba Healing Movement Therapy.

These principles set me apart in my field and ensure that my clients receive the highest quality of care. My dedication to their well-being and my unique blend of psychological expertise and cultural heritage have been pivotal in establishing my reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sagecsinc.net
• Instagram: ana_malandroofficial2
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/ana-carla-laidley-0024b9a6
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aninhamalandro210?app=desktop

Image Credits

Tyler Baker Photography.