About Vanessa

Vanessa received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of La Verne. 

In the therapy room, Vanessa meets you where you are -- whether this is your first time in therapy or if you have had previous therapy experience. She understands that therapy can initially be nerve-wracking for some, so she uses a warm style to help kids and adults settle into the space. She utilizes a person-centered approach, which enables clients to identify their own strengths while simultaneously challenging themselves to grow and make changes that might impact them positively.  Throughout the therapy process, Vanessa helps clients ease into learning the skills and tools needed to help them get “unstuck” and begin to feel relief from their struggles. She pulls from a multitude of evidence-based practices, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, to help clients struggling with anxiety, stress, panic disorders, behavioral problems, depression, attachment issues, and more. 

Before joining Leah’s practice, Vanessa provided counseling services to children, teens, and their families within a community-based crisis stabilization program. Vanessa’s clients faced numerous hardships – poverty, loss, trauma, domestic violence, and suicidality. In addition, she’s had prior experience providing counseling services to children, teens, adults, families, and couples, within school, clinic, and online settings.

Outside of the therapy room, you can find Vanessa walking her dogs, spending time with family, or spending time outside, soaking up the sun.