About Vanessa 

I’m not here to “fix” you. I’m here to get in it with you—to listen, to challenge, to help you sort through what feels heavy and move toward what feels true.

 

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Forensic Psychotherapist with over a decade of experience. My background is layered: I hold multiple degrees in counseling psychology, forensic psychology, criminal justice, and interior architecture with a focus on therapeutic design. I’ve also worked in medical advocacy, crisis intervention, and public safety settings including the Chicago Police Department, local jails and prisons and emergency rooms. All of that informs how I show up: With depth, flexibility, and a no-BS approach to helping people who are done pretending everything’s fine.

 

I’m also a State Certified Medical Advocate, a Crisis Intervention Counselor, a Trauma Expert and a Certified Nursing Assistant. I’m a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), Chapter President of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology (IACFP), and the American Psychological Association (APA).

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My work is guided by the belief that therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken—it’s about creating space for honesty, healing, and growth. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, major life changes, burnout, and recovery. I also bring deep experience working with people in high-stakes roles, including law enforcement, as well as

individuals navigating the major emotional and physical shifts of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting.

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I draw from a wide range of approaches including EMDR, CBT, DBT, HAES-aligned practices, and trauma-informed care. But above all, I tailor therapy to the individual. No scripts, no one-size-fits-all plans—just collaborative, flexible, real work.​

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Therapy can be hard. It can also be powerful. If you’re ready to show up, I’m here to meet you.