Education and background: Vanessa received her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University with extensive training in family systems. Vanessa has advanced knowledge and comprehension on the complications that face the youth of today. She has been working with FL families in the community since 2018 in various roles, which include therapeutic mentor, discharge planner at crisis units, and simultaneously as a community clinician. She has facilitated groups that are designed for empowering teens as well as the LGBTQAI community and has also served in higher levels of care in the community as a crisis support specialist to caregivers.
Experience and expertise: Vanessa is kind, empathetic, and her positive regard towards others allows for a safe welcoming atmosphere where individuals and families are invited to discuss their perspectives and come to mutual understanding and resolution of conflicts. Her goal is to have each individual leave the office feeling heard and uplifted. Vanessa is passionate about working with children, teens, young adults and finding tailored interventions for each individual and family. She believes in altruism, culturally competent care, and helping youth foster healthy relationships, while also modeling how to establish appropriate boundaries. Her specialty is working with blended families, grief, bereavement, trauma and advocating for the LGBTQAI community as an ally.
Modalities: Vanessa utilizes a Bowenian -Collaborative approach that emphasizes the effects of Multigenerational Systems while giving guidance on finding solutions that fit the needs of each family system. She is also experienced in using Narrative Therapy to assist clients in processing their life story, organizing events for clarification, and discovering their inner power of the self. She believes in strength-based care that instills hope and purpose for each individual and family based on their collective strengths as well as their abilities. She believes in planting seeds and promoting confidence in setting achievable goals and by utilizing mindfulness strategies to help reduce anxiety and depression.
Future professional goals/personal beliefs/hobbies: She believes in the importance of self-care and helping others learn tools that nourish the soul. Personal development and growth are never ending as this provider identifies as a lifelong learner. She continues to further her professional career by completing her clinical hours required for FL independent licensure under the supervision of Edita Hall, RFC Clinical Director. She enjoys going to the beach, painting, puzzles, and spending time with her 2 Tabby cats- Joey and Chandler.