Hello and Welcome! My name is Dr. Vanessa M. Armas. I am a California-licensed marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach who identifies as an Integrative Therapist. I specialize in addressing a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, work-life balance, and life transitions. A key aspect of my therapy is to empower and support you in achieving and maintaining your emotional and physical health goals.
In the first session, you can expect me to provide a comfortable space to get to know you. I ask many questions but invite you only to share what you choose to share until you are ready and comfortable. If there is a history of trauma, I will only want you to share a couple of sentences about it to better understand your need and if we will be a good fit. Throughout the therapeutic process, I will help you access your inner strengths, explore past experiences, confront fears, and gain insight with mindfulness and curiosity.
No matter where you are in your journey, whether to optimize emotional and physical well-being or maintain it, I am here to help you reignite your passion and enthusiasm for life. With over a decade of experience, I expertly blend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), positive psychology, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) with a deep knowledge of nutritional psychiatry. This integrative method is at the core of my practice, aiming to improve overall emotional wellness.
I believe in a holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, so I align better with those who share a similar philosophy. There has been so many evolutions in the field of mental health and so It can be challenging for most persons to find the right fit. I also have experince working with antagonistic relational stress also known as narcissitic abuse so if you feel this can be something you are experiencing, I can definitely help you identify these unhealthy patterns in your relationship, whether that be from a parent, a friend, or a romantic partner.
Integrative therapy encompasses a more holistic approach to therapy. Depending on the presenting concern, I use clinical judgment to determine the best modality to use when it comes to a person experiencing anxiety, depression, and or stress related to interpersonal conflict or another life stressor. In doing so, I draw from acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, nutritional psychiatry, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and behavioral therapy.