Vanessa works with clients across the lifespan, including young children (ages 3–12), teens, and adults. With children, she uses play-based therapy to help them process emotions, develop coping skills, and express themselves in a developmentally appropriate way. In her work with teens, Vanessa supports challenges such as anxiety, low mood, identity exploration, peer and family relationships, and academic or life stress. She also helps adults navigate issues like grief, life transitions, cultural identity, intergenerational trauma, relationship difficulties, career uncertainty, and recovery from motor vehicle accidents. As an immigrant herself, Vanessa brings valuable perspective when working with newcomers and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Vanessa draws on a range of evidence-based approaches to support her clients’ unique needs. With children, she uses play therapy—incorporating art, puppets, and imaginative play—to help them express emotions and build resilience. She applies Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with all ages to address anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, and negative thought patterns, adapting it to each developmental stage. Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Vanessa supports clients navigating trauma, anxiety, and the emotional effects of events such as accidents or intergenerational trauma.

Vanessa offers therapy in both English and Tagalog/Filipino. Her years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including immigrant and court-mandated clients, inform her deeply respectful and inclusive style of care. Outside the therapy room, she finds joy in nature, swimming, camping, baking, and adventuring with her two dogs, Lucky and Bowie.