(she/her)
Often rebooked
My name is Vanessa Labarga and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have worked in the mental health field for the past 10 years in a variety of settings, from working with children and teenagers in foster care, juvenile justice, and school systems, to working with adults on a range of issues from mild to severe mental health concerns. I also work as a mentor and supervisor to associate-level therapists and support and train them in learning therapeutic skills to help their clients. When I'm not working, I can be found spending time in nature, finding new restaurants to enjoy, travelling to new countries, and spending time with my cats and my partner at home.
I always spend the first session getting to know one another. I will gather information about your history with therapy, things that worked or didn't work, what your goals are for our therapeutic relationship together, and spend time just getting to know you as a person. I will also leave space for any curiosities you have about me as your provider!
My main expertise in therapy is working through anxiety, depression, family conflict, life transitions, trauma, and supporting folks who are hesitant about the therapy process. The concept of "showing up" in this work is so different for every person, and I understand this and know how important it is to work with each individual where they are at. Not everyone has it figured out, or knows what needs to change. I have extensive experience working in this gray area, and have had success getting folks to the other side. Change is scary, and showing up to do this work takes so much courage and bravery, and I take this all into account in the therapeutic process.
I am a good fit for folks who are in the midst of life transitions, and looking for support in navigating change. Whether it's a new job, moving away to college, marital status change, or any significant life transition, I can support in navigating the unknowns in our work together. I work well with those looking to resolve issues related to anxiety, depression, and trauma. Having worked with children and adolescents for many years, I am also well equipped at working with parents who are navigating stress related to parenting and managing aspects of work, life, and family.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive training in CBT modalities as well as trauma-focused CBT. I utilize these evidenced-based approaches to help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflicts, trauma related disorders, among other presenting issues.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I often utilize ACT throughout the treatment process to support folks in anchoring down into their values, hopes, desires, and the directions they are trying to move toward in life. I utilize the mindfulness principles core to the ACT approach in order to support in making more moves in life towards the direction of growth that we work together to identify.
Narrative
I incorporate many aspects of narrative therapy in my work, especially in my work with adolescents/teens. I utilize these approaches most commonly for those struggling with anxiety and depression, and have also utilized these approaches in trauma work.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I have experience working with folks in time-limited situations. I utilize a solution-focused approach in order to address the problem at hand and work towards a resolution collaboratively. I approach the work from a humanistic perspective, but I also know it can be a struggle to find the time for therapy, so I am mindful about approaching the work with an eye towards relieving the symptoms presented in an efficient and effective way.