Vanessa's Focus
Therapy with me is not about pushing through, fixing yourself, or performing wellness. It’s about slowing down, listening to your nervous system, and building safety so healing can happen in a way that feels sustainable and respectful.
You are the expert on your lived experience; my role is to walk alongside you with skill, compassion, and curiosity as we explore what healing looks like for you.
I integrate EMDR, somatic therapy, IFS, and spirituality (when meaningful to you) to support healing of the mind, body, and spirit.
Vanessa's Other Specialities
In our trauma work together, I help you:
- Gently process traumatic experiences using EMDR without needing to relive every detail
- Build nervous system regulation and body awareness through somatic-based practices
- Identify and unburden protective parts using IFS, fostering self-compassion instead of self-criticism
- Reconnect with and rebuild trust in your body after trauma, chronic pain, or medical experiences
- Explore attachment patterns, people-pleasing, and relationship dynamics shaped by survival
- Make space for grief, anger, and ambivalence, especially when you’ve had to stay “strong”
- Integrate spirituality or meaning-making in ways that feel grounding, affirming, and culturally responsive
My hope is that therapy becomes a space where you can finally exhale, where you don’t have to minimize your pain or carry everything on your own. Healing doesn’t mean becoming someone new; it means coming home to yourself with more compassion, clarity, and choice.
More About Vanessa
Vanessa has many pursuits outside of the counseling room. She’s passionate about promoting healthy relationships and has worked to promote sexual health and advocate against sexual assault.
In her free time, she’s a voracious reader. Last year, she devoured 110 books, spanning psychological thrillers, mysteries, and romance.
History And Qualifications
I’m originally from Brooklyn, NY, and my clinical foundation is rooted in trauma-informed care and whole-person healing. I earned my undergraduate degrees in Forensic Psychology and Human Services & Community Justice, followed by a Master’s in Social Work. I am a Certified Trauma Professional and am trained in EMDR, somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma-Conscious Yoga, and Yoga Teacher Training.
My professional experience includes working in both a hospital and a cancer center, where I supported individuals and families navigating medical trauma, chronic illness, grief, and life-altering diagnoses. In addition to my clinical training, I also live with a chronic illness, which allows me to deeply understand the nuanced, often invisible challenges of navigating the healthcare system, pain, fatigue, and the emotional toll of a body that doesn’t always cooperate.
Graduate Degree: Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Houston | Bachelor’s of Art in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in NYC | Bachelor’s of Science in Human Services and Community Justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in NYC
Counselor Affiliations:
Undergraduate Degree: BS in Human Services & Community Justice
What Clients Are Saying
Making Strides
I love my therapist so much. I’m making strides I haven’t made in therapy before.
