Hey there, I am Vanessa

I have an enthusiasm for life and I am passionate about participating in authentic human relationship. I am a certified trauma and relationship expert with 20 years of experience working with trauma in varying capacities.

I have trained in somatically-oriented therapies and the study of neurophysiology, which recognize that the human person doesn’t merely inhabit their body, they are their body- and the body holds the story.

My secret to the good life:
Marvel at ordinary things

SCHEDULE

626-788-3122

I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and several Master's degrees: Psychology (for those one-on-one deep dives), Marriage and Family Therapy (for all those juicy relationship dynamics), Intercultural Studies (because culture matters), and Theology (for that transcendent perspective).

My superpower is helping people become the best version of themselves while pursuing the kind of life they actually want.... one with abundant freedom, joy, and peace.

I am not delicate and I do not see my clients as fragile. I come into this therapeutic journey with sturdy compassion. I am direct, strong, and effective. I don't believe in tiptoeing around issues or sugarcoating things because, quite frankly, that's not why I entered this field, and it's not what my clients want. What they want is change, real and lasting change.

Life, in my view, is an adventure, and I'm here to help you conquer it. I see each session as a step forward in this incredible journey. Together, we'll navigate through the challenges, confront the obstacles, and embrace the opportunities that life throws our way.

I don't see people as a collection of problems. In fact, I see most problems as relics of traumas from our pasts. I believe that understanding and healing these underlying traumas is the key to real, lasting change. It's not about just putting a band-aid on the surface; it's about getting to the root of the issue and addressing it head-on.

I BELIEVE IN:

The healing power of play. Reconciliation. God. The importance of hospitality- and Pottery Barn. Campfires and s'mores. The innate ability to heal.

I'm NOT ABOUT:

Empty platitudes. Cooking or dishes. Upholding normativity that keeps others from fully living. Early mornings or washing my hair every day.

Favorite to do List:

Throwing parties. Camping with the fam-bam and friends. Home design-and Pottery Barn (yep, it's a problem!). Being with friends till it's way too late.

Fun facts:

I am a USMC Veteran. I served as a firefighter. I am a professor. enneagram number- 8 (OCHO!!!). Mom of 4 rambunctious boys. I have been a Pastor's wife for 16 years.

writing:

DRINKING:

READING:

CRAVING:

A Research Proposal

Coffee with Cream

The Body Keeps the Score.

Popeyes Chicken

Currently

listening:

Praise and Worship

Stuff and Things About Me

I served as firefighter in the Marine Corps. I still serve by working with combat trauma and military sexual trauma, my areas of expertise. Semper Fi!

my sweet momma

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I lost my mother way too soon. I cared for her until she lost her battle with brain cancer.

I support the goal of a balanced and equal world. I maintain an inclusive coaching practice rooted in cultural humility and an awareness of the dangers and shortcomings of normativity.