New to Grow
My name is Vanessa, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to become a therapist, driven by a deep curiosity about how people think and a genuine desire to help others heal and grow. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides a supportive, collaborative space for individuals to explore challenges, gain insight, and build effective coping skills. I use an integrative, strengths-based approach that incorporates CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based practices to support clients through anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. I am bilingual and able to provide therapy in both English and Spanish, always meeting clients where they are and helping them move toward meaningful, lasting change.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we will get to know each other and create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to share your experiences and concerns. I will ask questions to understand your goals, challenges, and what brought you to therapy, and together we will begin to explore ways to address them. This session is also a chance for you to ask questions about my approach, and for us to start building a collaborative plan that meets your needs and helps you move toward meaningful, lasting change.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths lie in my compassionate, non-judgmental approach and my ability to meet clients where they are. I am skilled at helping clients identify their strengths, navigate challenges, and develop practical tools for coping and growth. By integrating evidence-based methods like CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness, I tailor therapy to each individual, empowering clients to achieve meaningful, lasting change while feeling supported every step of the way.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are anyone who is seeking support and guidance. I meet each person where they are and tailor therapy to their unique needs. I work well with individuals facing anxiety, depression, stress, emotional regulation challenges, or life transitions, and I am here to help them navigate their problems with compassion and practical support. My goal is to provide a safe, collaborative space where clients can gain insight, build coping skills, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a collaborative, evidence-based approach to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In my practice, I help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and practice practical skills that support emotional regulation and lasting change. I tailor CBT interventions to each client’s goals and experiences, using a compassionate and flexible approach to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a collaborative, client-centered approach that helps individuals explore ambivalence, strengthen motivation, and build confidence around change. In my practice, I focus on meeting clients where they are, using reflective listening and open-ended questions to support self-directed goal setting and behavior change. MI is often integrated with other therapeutic approaches to help clients clarify values, increase readiness for change, and move forward in a way that feels empowering and sustainable.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as a skills-based, evidence-informed approach to help clients build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. In my practice, I support clients in developing practical tools to manage intense emotions, navigate relationships more effectively, and reduce unhelpful coping patterns. I integrate DBT strategies in a flexible, strengths-based way to meet clients where they are and support meaningful, sustainable change.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness-based therapy to help clients build greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily experiences in the present moment. In my practice, I integrate mindfulness practices to support emotional regulation, stress reduction, and increased self-compassion, while helping clients respond to challenges with intention rather than reactivity. These techniques are tailored to each client’s needs and are often combined with other therapeutic approaches to promote balance, resilience, and overall well-being.
Strength-Based
I use a strength-based approach to help clients identify and build upon their existing skills, resilience, and personal resources. In my practice, I focus on empowering clients by highlighting their strengths and past successes while supporting them in navigating challenges and working toward meaningful goals. This collaborative approach fosters confidence, self-efficacy, and sustainable growth.