Meet Vanessa
I love working with people who are simply trying to figure out life, whether that’s navigating identity exploration, neurodiversity, or just learning how to fit into the world. I really enjoy helping people figure out how to accommodate their individual needs based on their identity, set healthy boundaries, overcome low self-esteem/negative self-talk, and let go of the need for overcontrol.
As a queer, neurodivergent person, I know what it means to feel like you don’t naturally fit into the world. I spent my formative years in a small, close-minded town with no traffic lights and a widespread fear of individuality. My hope is that, as a therapist, I can help others connect with their intrinsic value, embrace their unique identities, and cultivate the feeling that they belong. I am passionate about guiding people through the processes of navigating identity, strengthening relationships, and healing their inner voice.
Overcontrol & Maladaptive Perfectionism
Do you tend to function well on the outside while feeling stressed, tense, lonely, or unseen on the inside? You might hold yourself to high standards, prioritize doing things ‘the right way,’ and feel safest when life is predictable, organized, and under control. This pattern is often referred to as overcontrol – a coping style that relies heavily on self-control, self-monitoring, and emotional restraint in order to feel safe or successful.
While self-control is often rewarded and reinforced, relying on it too much can quietly take a toll. Over time, it can reduce emotional flexibility, increase sensitivity to perceived threat, and pull attention toward stress-inducing details rather than present-moment engagement. Many people with overcontrolled patterns feel chronically tense, disconnected, or burned out, even when they appear to be ‘doing everything right.’
These patterns usually develop for very valid reasons. Therapy can provide a supportive, structured space to gently examine how overcontrol shows up in your life and to build greater flexibility – supporting a sense of security and connection without requiring constant effort or self-monitoring.
Transgender Identity
I am affirming of all gender identities and committed to providing a space where you can explore, expand, or simply exist in a way that feels most comfortable to you. I believe that gender exploration is about authentically and wholeheartedly coming home to yourself, regardless of whether you feel ready to share that with the world or not. I am here to provide a space where you are able to be yourself without judgement. If you don’t feel the need to explore your gender identity, but want someone who is able to accept it and acknowledge the impact it has on your relationship with the world, I can be that person for you, too.
Neurodivergence
As someone who is neurodivergent, I understand the feeling that the world isn’t built for you – you may experience that, too. I enjoy working with neurodivergent clients, particularly those who are interested in exploring identity, self-understanding, relationships, and emotional patterns through conversation.
My therapy style is unstructured and dialogue-based, meaning sessions rely heavily on open-ended conversation and the client’s willingness to actively reflect, explore, and share beyond responding to direct questions. While I do my best to adapt to individual needs, clients who prefer highly structured sessions, frequent prompting, or a more directive communication style may find this approach challenging. Finding the right fit matters, and I’m always happy to talk openly about whether my style feels like a good match for you.
Anxiety & Self-Esteem Management
Some of us walk around with a constant bully in our head. If that voice tends to take the form of your own, I want to help you find the ability to make that voice quieter – or maybe we can teach it to GTFO. Constant self-criticism is exhausting; it limits our ability to acknowledge our own value and significantly impacts the ways we engage with social relationships. Together, we can learn how to identify and challenge unkind or hurtful self-talk, nurture a mindset that allows you to feel more at peace with yourself, and encourage the establishment of healthy boundaries that support your wellbeing.
No matter where you’re at, I will meet you with warmth, understanding, and a belief in your ability to grow. You can expect work that emphasizes your strengths and teaches you how to build on them in ways that can help you grow.
My approach is unstructured, conversational, and focused on whatever you bring in for the week – so come to session prepared with something to talk about (like something that’s happened since we last met, thoughts you want to process, or even just sharing about your interests and things that bring you joy).
While I am willing and able to adjust my approach to meet your individual needs, it’s important to have a clear picture of what you’re getting into. If you’re looking for a therapist who gives a lot of homework and handouts, or shows up in therapy like a teacher with structured lessons, I may not be the best fit for you. I work alongside a lot of wonderful colleagues, and I believe it is possible to find somebody here who can provide the type of therapy that you’re looking for, even if that person isn’t me.
Vanessa Outside of the Therapy Room:
If we have virtual sessions on my work-from-home days, you may get to meet my cats, Thunder and Salami!
Outside of therapy, I’m someone who finds meaning in the small things, like twinkling stars, music ranging from pop punk to guttural growls, tattoos, and the smell of freshly-squeezed oranges. If you like live music as much as I do, we might end up unexpectedly meeting each other in a mosh pit.
