I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina. I obtained my Masters in Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work. I've also attended Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where I received my Bachelor's in Behavioral Science. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy to help my clients develop and achieve their goals. My optimal goal is to ensure my clients feel safe, supportive, and empowered.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, and then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions. In my sessions, I strive to create a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel supported and heard. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process, so I work with clients to establish a trusting relationship that allows them to feel comfortable sharing and exploring their thoughts and emotions. My approach is empathetic and compassionate but also goal-oriented and focused on helping clients develop practical tools and strategies to navigate life’s challenges. Working with me feels like a partnership in which you are empowered to take charge of your mental health while being supported every step of the way.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a bilingual therapist, what makes me unique is my ability to bridge the gap between language and culture in therapy. Growing up and working in diverse environments has given me firsthand insight into the challenges faced by individuals navigating two or more cultural identities. This experience allows me to empathize deeply with clients who feel caught between different cultural expectations or struggle to find their voice in a new cultural setting. My professional experience has further enriched my skills. I’ve worked extensively with individuals from multicultural backgrounds, addressing issues such as acculturation stress, intergenerational conflict, and the stigma of mental health in certain cultures. I understand how to adapt therapeutic interventions to honor cultural values while encouraging growth and healing. This combination of personal and professional insight enables me to provide a safe, affirming space where clients feel truly understood, seen, and supported. Como terapeuta bilingüe, tengo la capacidad para cerrar la brecha entre el lenguaje y la cultura en la terapia. Crecer y trabajar en diversos entornos me ha dado una visión de primera mano de los desafíos que enfrentan las personas que navegan por dos o más identidades culturales. Esta experiencia vivida me permite empatizar profundamente con los clientes que se sienten atrapados entre diferentes expectativas culturales o que luchan por encontrar su voz en un nuevo entorno cultural. Mi experiencia profesional ha enriquecido aún más mis habilidades. He trabajado extensamente con personas de orígenes multiculturales, abordando temas como el estrés por aculturación, el conflicto intergeneracional y el estigma de la salud mental en ciertas culturas. Entiendo cómo adaptar las intervenciones terapéuticas para honrar los valores culturales al tiempo que fomentan el crecimiento y la curación. Esta combinación de visión personal y profesional me permite proporcionar un espacio seguro y afirmativo donde los clientes se sientan realmente comprendidos, vistos y apoyados.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I typically work with adolescents and adults facing a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, stress, grief, PTSD, and other behavioral diagnoses. I am particularly comfortable treating individuals who may be navigating multiple cultural identities, as well as those struggling with issues related to family dynamics, life transitions, and emotional regulation. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, helping individuals build coping skills, resilience, and confidence as they work toward healing and growth.

About Vanessa Luna