Hi! My name is Vanessa! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a National Board Certified Counselor (NCC) who has a passion for working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, body image, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, relationship issues, spirituality, and athletes. I have 5 years of experience working in the eating disorder space including serving as the Executive Director of an eating disorder program. My mission is to empower individuals and families to heal, grow, and discover a deeper sense of purpose, guiding them toward hope and lasting well-being.
I am originally from Jamaica and grew up in Atlanta. I received my undergraduate degree from Furman University and my Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. Currently, I am a Doctoral Candidate completing my PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision at Mercer University researching optimal performance in competitive athletes.
As a counselor, I am an advocate for individuals and athletes struggling with mental health as mental wellness is for everyone.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, my goldendoodle (Milo), coaching and playing soccer, working out, and traveling.
My hope is to create an inclusive and holistic space for client and families to be heard and seen. Rooted in a faith-based perspective of Christianity, I utilize a person centered and strength-based therapeutic approach to client care. Although my faith is important to me, I value and respect the beliefs of others and only incorporate faith at the request of the client.
I use an inclusive approach to wellness, emphasizing overall well-being, and fostering a healthy relationship with food and the body.
I incorporate a combination of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic techniques into my treatment approach.