Vanessa Knippel

My names is Vanessa Knippel and I am Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, as well as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I received my bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and my master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. I have experience working in a variety of different settings, including hospice and end-of-life care (grief/bereavement therapy), private practice, and working with the autism community in an outpatient therapy setting.

My passion for therapy is centered around working with the neurodivergent community. I have experiencing working with children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum. In addition, I also share a passion for working with grief/loss, pre-bereavement issues, emotional issues surrounding disabilities of all types, emotional issues surrounding chronic and terminal illnesses, and themes of isolation. I have experiencing working with survivors of suicide, and themes that surround traumatic loss. Helping others understand our unique experiences will create connections and I find it greatly rewarding to help others in the journey.

I have also developed interests in areas including emotional and spiritual health, parenting stress, issues surrounding disabilities, end of life counseling, shame and identity issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and academic/occupational stress.

Success in therapy is built upon a strong foundation formed from the relationship between therapist and client. I believe the most productive work in therapy is done when an individual feels a sense of comfort and understanding, and I strive to achieve that relationship with every individual I work with.

During an initial session, my focus is solely to get to know you and what motivated you to begin therapy. The first session is spent gathering information and details to better identify how to create a therapy session best suited for what your goals are. During the first session, my goal is to be open-minded, inquisitive, and ready to listen.