Vanessa Carter

Hi, I’m Vanessa. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults who may look like they’re holding everything together on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, exhausted, or disconnected underneath. My background includes years of working with people during some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. As a veteran myself, I also understand how military experiences can shape identity, relationships, stress, and the way we learn to cope. Therapy with me is a space where you can be honest, sort through what’s actually going on, and begin figuring out what you want your life to look like from here.

I’m warm and supportive, but I’m also direct. I don’t believe therapy should be 50 minutes of you talking while I simply nod and ask, “How does that make you feel?” We’ll talk about the patterns you’re noticing, the things you may be avoiding, what has helped you survive up until now, and what may no longer be working for you. I’ll validate your experience while also helping you challenge old beliefs, set healthier boundaries, build practical coping skills, and make changes that actually fit your life. Our work will be collaborative, honest, and tailored to you.

Your first session is not an audition, and you do not have to show up knowing exactly what to say. We’ll start wherever you are. I’ll get to know what brought you to therapy, what has been weighing on you, what you’ve already tried, and what you would like to feel different. I’ll ask questions, answer yours, and help us begin making sense of the bigger picture. Most importantly, I want you to leave that first session feeling like you were able to exhale a little—and like you have someone in your corner who is ready to do the work with you.