Meet
Vanessa
I am a doctoral-level Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Certified Yoga Therapist (IAYT), and Certified Brainspotting Therapist. With over 25 years of experience, I am passionate about supporting others on their journey of growth, self-discovery, and balance. My approach blends evidence-based psychotherapy, mind-body practices, and the principles of yoga philosophy, offering a safe, compassionate space for healing and transformation. Since childhood, yoga has profoundly shaped how I understand the mind, body, and emotions, and I integrate these insights to help clients cultivate mindfulness, resilience, and inner harmony.
Having grown up in a high-achieving environment, becoming one myself, and raising my own high achievers, I understand the challenges of balancing career, family, relationships, and personal goals. I help clients overcome feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt, and build skills to live a life filled with meaning, joy, and resilience.
As a former adult triathlete and parent of competitive athletes, I relate to the thrill of competition, the discipline of training, and the joy of achieving goals. I work with high-achieving professionals, athletes, and performers to strengthen their mindset, expand their potential, and cultivate a thriving, balanced life informed by both psychology and the wisdom of yoga.
"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf" - Jon Kabat-Zinn
My Approach
As your Therapist. As your Guide.
I offer an eclectic approach heavily influenced by contemplative wisdom and psychotherapeutic approaches.
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.
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.
I deeply value the power of the mind. Our reality is shaped by perception, and our thoughts profoundly influence our emotions and behaviors. The human brain is an extraordinarily complex system, yet we have the capacity to harness its potential to support growth, resilience, and well-being.
I integrate evidence-based practices, research-supported approaches, and yoga therapy with the goal of guiding you toward meaningful opportunities for self-discovery and personal 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
Individual Therapy for Anxiety and Mild Depression
Stress and Burnout Counseling
Life Transitions Counseling
Counseling to Overcome Limited Beliefs
Sports and Performance Counseling
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 psychotherapy for couples, families, children or adolescents.
Education
Doctor of Social Work, Clinical Social Work - University of Kentucky 2025
Master of Social Work - University of Central Florida 1998
BA Psychology Honors - University of Central Florida 1995
Credentials:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Qualified Supervisor
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Certified International Association Yoga Therapist
Certified Brainspotting Therapist
Adjunct Faculty at University of South Florida, School of Social Work
Formal Trainings:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Mental Mastery for Athletes
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
Brainspotting (Phase 1, Phase 2, Master Class, Phase 4, Phase 5, Freeze to Thaw, Expansion, Sports & Health Performance)
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Trauma Informed Yoga
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy