Vanessa Bastian

I'm a Texas native that was raised in Lebanon and moved back to Texas 15 years ago. I have a diverse background and a personal understanding about how cultural variables/family dynamics can play a role into relationships and learned patterns. I attended graduate school at Southern Methodist University and earned my Masters degree in Counseling. I have 7 years of experience working in both private practice as well as treatment centers that specialize in substance abuse disorders. I work with individuals ranging from the age of 18-65.

I believe that therapy is a process where both the client and clinician are constantly learning and being challenged. I use a non-intimidating and humanistic approach and show genuine interest in my client's lives by remembering specific details about their stories. I spend the first few sessions building rapport and allowing trust to form before beginning to challenge some of my client's limiting beliefs. I use a mix of talk therapy as well as homework to apply in real time.

Clients will learn how to accept things that are out of their control and re-write the story they have about themselves, people, and the world. Clients will gain tools to apply in short-term and long-term moments of distress/discomfort.