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Meet
Vanessa
I am a Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Certified Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists and a Certified Brainspotting Therapist. After 25 years of providing mental health counseling, behavior analysis services, consultation, clinical supervision, and managing program operations, I am still passionate about empowering others in their own journey of self-discovery and holding space in a safe, non-judgmental way. I value authenticity, and to be able to work with clients from a deep place of connection, attunement, and relatedness, I do my own "work" every day. The ability to serve others in private practice as a mental health therapist has been such a privilege and a blessing.
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Yoga philosophy has always been a big part of my life since childhood through my father who dedicated his personal life to studying this ancient philosophy and living his life through its teachings. It was through my own yoga journey, that I discovered how yoga philosophy has been interwoven into many of the modern psychotherapy models that are widely used today. Each of the empirically supported methods I use with clients has made an impact in my own personal path of finding serenity and harmony and it is my wish to share this gift with you.
My Approach
As your Therapist. As your Guide.
I offer an eclectic approach heavily influenced by contemplative wisdom and psychotherapeutic approaches.
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My Therapeutic Stance:
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Informal and casual.
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Empathetic. When needed, challenging.
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Inquisitive and active.
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My Values:
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Authenticity. To live and work with integrity, compassion and in awareness of my authentic Self.
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Acceptance. To embrace diversity, embody inclusivity and evince non-judgment.
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Growth. Faithfully doing my own personal "work" towards Self-realization, and developing my skills and harnessing my strengths in service of helping others grow.
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I also value the power of our minds. Reality is a construct of perceptions, and our thoughts and perceptions have an immense ability to influence our emotions and behaviors. The human brain is a complex system beyond our understanding, but we have the ability to utilize it to our advantage.
I use a mix of evidenced based practices and other researched backed approaches to provide individual mental health counseling and yoga therapy with the mission of supporting you towards beautiful opportunities for self-discovery and growth.
Therapeutic Approaches
Acceptance Commitment Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
Brainspotting
Positive Psychology
Affective Neuroscience
Trauma Informed
Yoga Based Counseling (Yoga Therapy)
Areas of Specialization
Therapy for High Achievers
Counseling for Anxiety
Stress and Burnout Counseling
Life Transitions Counseling
Counseling to overcome Limited Beliefs
Yoga Therapy for Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Wellness
Note: As a therapist, it is ethical practice to know my limitations and disclose them openly with potential clients.
My area of practice and expertise excludes substance use issues, crisis and suicidality, disordered eating or body dysmorphia, psychosis, personality disorders and severe mood disorders. I do not provide therapy for couples, children or adolescents.
Education
BA Psychology Honors - University of Central Florida 1995
Master of Social Work - University of Central Florida 1998
Doctor of Social Work, Clinical Social Work - University of Kentucky (2025 completion)
Credentials:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Certified International Association Yoga Therapist
Certified Brainspotting Therapist
Formal Trainings:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
Brainspotting (Phase 1, Phase 2, Master Class, Phase 4, Freeze to Thaw and Expansion)
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Trauma Informed Yoga