Hello my name is Vanessa! As a client-centered, strength-based therapist, I will meet you where you are, listen with empathy, and provide you with support and unconditional positive regard. I am skilled in working with anxiety, depression, trauma and women's issues. I also work with those in recovery from substance abuse/addiction and eating disorders (on an outpatient basis), codependency and co-occurring chronic medical issues. I have specialized knowledge of Diabulimia (Type 1 Diabetes + Bulimia) and am a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. I can help you to improve your relationships and learn to establish healthy boundaries, Increase self-esteem and self-acceptance and learn to cope with stress. To do this I will help you identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns, set goals in a collaborative process then act as a mirror for your inner experience as you find your true values and sense of self. I even have specialized training in Brain spotting, and trauma-informed yoga, to offer!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

First, we will get to know each other so I can understand what is bringing you to therapy and understand your own unique needs and desires. I will then collaborate with you and assist you to define your therapy goals and provide you with a treatment plan based on evidence so that you can achieve those goals. I will not tell you how to achieve your goals, rather, I will be a supportive guide along the way. I will assist you to identify emotions, thought patterns, and behaviors within yourself and your relationships that may or may not be serving you. This process will not always be comfortable, however, I will be here to support you. If you persevere you will likely see changes in your life and you will have the opportunity to change these patterns in a positive way. 

WHAT TREATMENT METHODS DO I UTILIZE?:

I am a client-centered, strength-based therapist. This means that I meet you where you are on your journey. I will essentially hold a mirror for you to be able to see your true self (i.e. thoughts, feelings, emotions and to process them). I don't have a one size fits all approach. I work with several different modalities and will utilize the evidenced-based method that you prefer and that I feel will help you to best reach your goals. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and my specialty work includes the following: Trauma-based somatic (body-based) work, which includes trauma-informed yoga and breath work, Intuitive Eating, and Brain Spotting. 

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 107845). I earned my Bachelor Degree in Social Welfare from the University of Kansas and my Master’s Degree in Social Welfare with a clinical emphasis from the University of Kansas. I have extensively worked with adults and seniors with trauma and severe and persistent mental illness. I have worked with addiction of all kinds and have worked as a medical social worker for 5 years. Because of this, I am familiar with chronic illness and how it is linked to psychiatric health. During the 10 years I served as a caseworker and now a mental health therapist, I have worked with underserved and underprivileged populations in a culturally sensitive way. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Intuitive Eating/Health At Every Size, and the Trauma Resiliency Model. I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) and have a certification in Yoga and the 12 Steps of Recovery(Y12SR). I am also a certified meditation and breathwork teacher.  I have an extensive knowledge of the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and am also open to a moderation framework. I have increasing knowledge of the expanding world of psychedelic medicine. I respect and realize that recovery looks different for Every Body.