Hello, it's nice to meet you.
Welcome! I’m Vanessa, and I’m here to help you navigate life challenges anxiety, overwhelm, and stress.
Life can sometimes feel like a lot and we don't always have the right resources, tools or skills to overcome these challenges effectively. It's not like we are given a playbook on how to navigate life and we are all doing our best.
As a therapist who specializes in working with high-achieving millennials, I understand how difficult it can be to figure things out on your own. I understand the pressure of balancing ambition with the constant demand for perfection and all the life responsibilities you have.
You don’t have to do it all alone. Together, we’ll uncover the resources, tools and skills that will help you manage your emotions, shift unhelpful patterns, and create the balance and fulfilment you’ve been seeking so that you can feel more confident navigating the stressors in your life.
Does This Sound Familiar?
You might feel like anxiety, stress, and overwhelm are taking over your life. Whether it’s perfectionism, emotional overwhelm, high levels of distress, or juggling a work-life imbalance, it’s exhausting. You might find yourself stuck in cycles of imposter syndrome, overthinking, or people-pleasing, and these challenges can affect your relationships and even your physical health. Racing thoughts, sleepless nights, and a constant feeling of being on edge are just a few of the symptoms you experience in your daily life.
The good news is, this doesn't have to be your life.
How I Can Help You:
I’m here to support you in building practical tools and skills that will help you manage anxiety, stress, and overwhelm, in effective ways that foster lasting change. I will provide a safe space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions and behaviours without judgment, allowing for deep insights into yourself, your relationships, and your environment. This understanding will help you better understand the root cause of your challenges so that you can finally make meaningful changes in your life.
I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is crucial for growth. With a collaborative, person-centred approach, I’ll empower you to feel more confident and aligned with your values. We’ll work on challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, embracing vulnerability, and building skills to better manage your symptoms. You will learn how to embrace your emotions so that you can feel more aligned with who you truly are and effectively respond to those emotions in a way that allows you to meet your needs. Each session will be tailored to your unique needs, combining compassion and directness to help you stay focused on your goals and navigate your journey.
I understand the commitment & investment you are making in yourself and how hard that commitment can be. It is important to me that you get the right support during our time together and I am dedicated to your growth and healing.
My Approach & Education
I practice using an integrative approach combining several different therapeutic approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic techniques. Using an integrative approach allows me to meet your needs as I can draw on the techniques that would be most helpful to you. I also work through a trauma-informed, strengths-based and anti-oppressive lens to ensure therapy is both empowering and considerate of your lived experiences.
Education & Trainings
2016-2019
Master of Social Work
University of Windsor
I gained knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic approaches. I developed essential skills in assessing and treating mental health challenges, particularly anxiety, stress, and emotional dysregulation. My training emphasized a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive framework, allowing me to work with diverse populations effectively. A key milestone during my MSW was completing two clinical practicums, where I applied these approaches to help clients navigate complex emotional challenges, build resilience, and achieve personal growth.
2009-2013
Bachelor of Arts, Honours Specialization in Psychology
Western University
I developed a strong foundation in understanding human behaviour and cognitive processes. A significant achievement during my degree was completing my honours thesis, which focused on cognitive biases related to substance use. This research deepened my skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and psychological assessment.
2022
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Certificate
University Of Toronto
I gained advanced skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. This training allows me to help clients manage intense emotions, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
2022
CBT for PTSD,
OASW Learning Centre
I gained skills to guide clients in identifying and challenging trauma-related thoughts to reduce distress and improve emotional well-being.
2020
Solution Foced Therapy
Frame Learning Institute
I gained tools to help clients focus on strengths and solutions rather than problems, fostering quicker, goal-oriented change.
2018
Motivational Interviewing & Managing Ambivalance Certificate
York University
I gained tools tohelp clients strengthen their motivation for change by exploring and resolving ambivalence in a supportive, collaborative manner.