
About Me
Hi, I’m Vanessa — a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) offering online therapy and coaching services for individuals, teens, and couples around the world. I also offer in-person sessions in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
I’m passionate about helping people navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship struggles with care and respect. I work from a place of curiosity and compassion, creating a space where you can be fully seen and supported — without judgment.
As someone who understands what it’s like to live between cultures, I bring a culturally sensitive lens to therapy. Many of my clients are navigating the complexities of identity, belonging, family expectations, and emotional pain that can sometimes feel hard to name. I’m here to help you untangle those feelings and reconnect with your inner strength.
In our work together, I draw from a variety of approaches — including trauma-informed therapy, schema therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and emotion-focused work — always tailoring treatment to your needs.
Whether you're looking for deep healing, clearer boundaries, or simply a place to process, I’m here to walk alongside you.
Let’s begin the work of healing, self-trust, and growth — together.
Education
Education and Work Experience
M.A., COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOTHERAPY
The Center of Cognitive Psychotherapy, Mexico
B.S., PSYCHOLOGY, MINORS IN NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
The University of Anáhuac, Mexico
B.A., PRE-MEDICAL
The University of North Carolina, Asheville, U.S.A.
Licenses and Certifications
LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Mexico
Cédula Profesional #13395424
Cédula Profesional #11574641
THE GOTTMAN
METHOD, LEVEL 2
The Gottman Institute
GESTALT THERAPY CERTIFICATIONS
Holbeck College, Prof. Chris Worfolk
Prof. Elmira Strange, MPhil
COGNITIVE PROCESSING THERAPY
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
CERTIFIED RECOVERY FACILITATOR
SMART
CCAAPP
California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals
Certified: Confidentiality, Ethics & Boundaries
Certification ID: R122301216
REGISTERED ALCOHOL AND DRUG TRAINEE (RADT-I)
CCAPP
California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals
Certification ID: R122301216
ADULT FIRST AID/CPR
American Red Cross
ID: GR5IC9
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS TRAINING
American Red Cross
ID: GR5IAD
PREVENTION AND ALTERNATIVES
NCI Interventions
Work Experience
Currently: Private Practice in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Sanctuary Treatment Center for Substance Abuse & Mental Health Illnesses. Encino, California. Counselor and Group Facilitator
Victory Detox Center. Van Nuys, California. Detox and Inpatient Counselor
Rebecca’s House Eating Disorder Treatment Programs for Men and Women. Lake Forest, California. Residential Counselor
Break Away Health Corporation. Costa Mesa, California.Therapist, MFTi, Eating Disorder Program Coordinator
Solid Landings Behavioral Health, Sure Haven. Costa Mesa, California. Mental Health Worker
Tapestry Eating Disorder Treatment Centers. Brevard, North Carolina. Residential Counselor, Day Treatment Counselor
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Work experience in private practice, detox, hospitalization, inpatient, and residential treatment centers for eating disorders, substance abuse, and other mental health illnesses.
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Published author in the field of eating disorders & co-occurring psychiatric illnesses.
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Internship with the Center of Vascular Illnesses at the Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal in Mexico City.
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Elected research intern with the National Institute of Neuroscience and Neurosurgery of Mexico and the UNAM School of Medicine.