Hello! I’m Veronica, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a heart for helping you navigate life’s hurdles. With a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Turabo University of Puerto Rico, I’ve dedicated 10 years to fostering resilience and growth in individuals 18 and older facing anxiety, stress, substance use, and more. I offer a safe and non-judgemental space where you can freely express yourself and discover personal solutions. My practice is inclusive, welcoming clients from all backgrounds and sexual orientations. As a bilingual therapist, I provide therapy in both Spanish and English, ensuring you feel heard in the language of your comfort.
In your first session with me, Veronica Vargas Viera, LPC, expect a warm introduction and a safe space to begin sharing your story. We’ll discuss your needs and goals, ensuring confidentiality and comfort. This will also help me create a tailored plan for us to work through together. It’s a collaborative start to our journey, with no pressure, just a shared commitment to your well-being and growth.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, my greatest strengths lie in my empathetic approach, diverse experience, and inclusive practice. My unique ability to connect with clients on a deep level stem from my own life experiences and my passion for mental health advocacy. I am not just a therapist; I am a compassionate human being who understands life’s ups and downs and the importance of a supportive space to share and heal. My experience working in various settings, such as hospitals, residential, outpatient, and clinical care, has equipped me with the skills to help a wide range of individuals.
Veronica R. Vargas Viera offers therapy covered by Kaiser Permanente - Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Virginia.
Through CBT, I work collaboratively with clients to identify triggering thoughts, break down overwhelming challenges into smaller parts, making them easier to manage. For example, a client with anxiety might learn to challenge and replace panic-inducing thoughts with more balanced ones, thereby reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety. In my practice, I integrate CBT techniques with a focus on attachment theory and trauma, guiding clients to understand how their past experiences influence their current thought patterns and behaviors. This approach not only addresses immediate issues but also empowers clients to develop coping strategies for long-term resilience and well-being.
SFBT is used to empower clients by focusing on their present and future goals rather than dwelling on past problems. For instance, I might work with a client to identify their strengths and resources, helping them construct a clear vision of their desired outcome and the steps needed to achieve it.
DBT is particularly effective for clients who experience intense emotions. I use DBT to teach skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. This approach helps clients learn to manage their emotions and improve their relationships.
EFT is grounded in attachment theory and helps clients develop secure, positive connections. In my sessions, I might guide a client through exploring their emotional patterns and fostering a stronger sense of self, which can be particularly helpful for those dealing with anxiety or trauma.
I use ACT to help clients engage in positive behaviors while experiencing difficult thoughts or feelings. The core of ACT is to teach clients to accept their reactions and be present in the moment without undue struggle. For example, a client dealing with depression might learn to accept their feelings without judgment and commit to actions that align with their personal values, leading to a more fulfilling life. Through ACT, clients learn to stop avoiding and start accepting, committing to making necessary changes in behavior, regardless of their emotional state.