Vanessa Simmons
My name is Vanessa Simmons and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of South Carolina and Georgia with over 8 years of experience working as a therapist. I am also a Licensed Addiction Counselor in South Carolina. I started my education at Lander University in Greenwood SC where I received my Bachelor of Science in psychology with an emphasis on early childhood development. I went on to complete my Master's in Science in Psychology and Counseling from Troy University, Augusta, Georgia.
First session
You should expect to be heard and respected throughout the therapeutic process. My goal is to create a safe place for you to be yourself with no judgement. We will explode your past, take a look at current experiences in your life and set future goals for therapy. At times, in the therapeutic process you may feel uncomfortable and challenged in a gentle way to encourage healing.
Strengths
I believe “Life, at its best, is a flowing, changing process in which nothing is fixed”- Carl Roger. I understand in life there will be many changes. These changes may cause some anxiety, relationship issues, and depression. I have worked with clients on a board range of concerns including: anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, family dynamic distresses, poor communication styles, work place issues, and Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder. My counseling style is very empathetic, mindful and client-centered, yet direct and straightforward. I believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity but most importantly I pride myself on demonstrating compassion for all and being sensitive to the needs of others.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are adolescents, adults, and couples who are motivated to improve their emotional well-being and are open to personal growth. I enjoy working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, trauma, grief, and stress. I value building a strong therapeutic relationship where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered to develop healthier coping skills, increase self-awareness, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative, client-centered, and goal-oriented, helping clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I work with clients to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience. My goal is to equip clients with practical skills they can use outside of therapy to create lasting, meaningful change and improve their overall quality of life.
Couples Counseling
I have experience providing couples counseling to help partners improve communication, rebuild trust, strengthen emotional connection, and navigate conflict in healthy ways. My approach is collaborative, nonjudgmental, and solution-focused, creating a safe space where both partners feel heard and respected. I help couples identify unhealthy relationship patterns, develop effective communication and conflict-resolution skills, establish healthy boundaries, and work toward shared goals that promote a stronger, healthier relationship.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- GeorgiaLicense LPC012647
- South CarolinaLicense 6524