I’m Vanessa, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, and I work with adults with ADHD. I’ve been in the mental health field since 2010, and I take a warm, laid-back approach that makes therapy feel easy to talk through instead of intimidating. My work focuses on helping you understand your brain, reduce overwhelm, and build realistic tools for focus, organization, and emotional regulation—so life feels more manageable and a lot less heavy.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first session, there’s no pressure to have everything figured out or explain your life perfectly. We’ll start by getting to know each other and talking about what’s been hardest for you lately—especially how ADHD shows up in your day-to-day life. Expect a relaxed, judgment-free conversation where you can be yourself, ask questions, and feel heard. By the end of the session, we’ll have a clearer sense of what you want help with and some simple next steps that actually feel doable.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What really stands out about my approach is that therapy doesn’t feel stiff or intimidating. I’m warm, laid-back, and easy to talk to, so sessions feel more like a real conversation than a clinical appointment. I work with how the ADHD brain actually functions, focusing on practical tools for focus, organization, emotional regulation, and follow-through—without shame or pressure. Together, we cut through overwhelm, lean into your strengths, and create changes that actually fit your life (not some unrealistic system you’re supposed to keep up with).
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with adults with ADHD who feel overwhelmed, scattered, or stuck—even when they’re capable and trying their best. Many of my clients struggle with focus, follow-through, emotional regulation, procrastination, or burnout and are tired of feeling like they’re constantly behind or not living up to their potential. They’re looking for support that feels understanding, practical, and realistic—not judgmental or rigid—and want tools that actually fit their life and the way their brain works.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in a practical, flexible way that works with the ADHD brain—not against it. Instead of overanalyzing every thought, we focus on noticing patterns that keep you stuck and finding realistic ways to shift them. This often includes breaking things down, reducing all-or-nothing thinking, building better follow-through, and creating tools that actually work in real life. CBT in my work is less about perfection and more about progress, self-understanding, and making change feel doable.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help adults with ADHD better manage emotions, stress, and overwhelm—especially when feelings hit fast and hard. We focus on practical skills like emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness, but in a flexible way that fits real life. DBT in my work isn’t about doing things perfectly; it’s about learning how to slow things down, respond instead of react, and feel more in control when emotions start taking over.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help adults with ADHD stop fighting their thoughts and start focusing on what actually matters to them. Instead of trying to “fix” or eliminate every difficult feeling, we work on noticing thoughts without getting stuck in them and learning how to move forward anyway. ACT in my work is about getting out of your head, reconnecting with your values, and taking small, meaningful actions that align with the life you want—even when ADHD makes things messy or imperfect.
1 rating with written reviews
May 6, 2025
Vanessa is caring & is genuinely interested in helping me hit my therapy goals! She is very easy to talk to & makes me feel incredibly comfortable & safe to share my thoughts and feelings!