Grief counselors and therapists in Abilene, TX

Hi! I’m Vanessa! I’m a wife, Mom and entrepreneur. I’m also a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in integrative psychiatry and women’s mental health. I run a niche mental health clinic called Kavah Wellness Psychiatry. I hold a bachelors degree, two masters degree and a doctor of nursing practice degree. I have almost a decade of experience in the mental health sector. I love everything mental health!

With decades of experience, I am well-versed in many different modalities. No one approach works for everyone, so I built a large tool kit to have a broad range of tools available. Areas of expertise include individual, couples and family counseling, trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, special needs of gifted and talented, medical social work, impact of illness, traumatic brain injury, grief and bereavement, positive aging, geriatrics and end of life issues. Having been raised in a military family I enjoy working with our veterans, active duty personnel and their families.

I’ve supported people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, chronic stress, substance use disorders, relationship concerns, and major life transitions. My clinical background includes providing individual and group counseling services to the Laredo population in community mental health settings, as well as a residential treatment setting.

I am a Clinical Social Worker with a graduate degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. For the past two decades, I have been advocating for individuals and families struggling with mental health concerns. My work has primarily focused on trauma, and I have provided therapeutic services to a diverse array of individuals of all ages. I am committed to helping people overcome eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other stressors that impact our lives.

I am genuine, compassionate, and dedicated to meeting you where you are on your journey. I believe in creating a safe, judgment-free environment where your voice matters. I honor your unique experiences and am committed to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and encouragement. My approach is collaborative and personalized, drawing on my expertise and lived experience as a Black female clinician and veteran. I am here to support you, advocate for you, and help you discover your strengths as we work together toward your goals.

I’m a first-generation daughter of immigrant parents, and I am passionate about helping individuals in the Hispanic/LatinX community overcome the stigma around therapy. I provide a safe, authentic, and supportive space where clients can feel understood and empowered.

I have experience working with survivors of trauma, including childhood abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, immigration trauma, and generational trauma. I also help clients navigate life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, stress management, and relationship challenges. My goal is to help you understand how your experiences have shaped your emotional well-being and to normalize your reactions along the way.

My approach to therapy is warm, culturally attuned, and practical. I believe that meaningful change happens when clients feel safe, understood, and supported while also gaining tools they can use in their daily lives.

As a multilingual therapist offering services in English, Farsi, and Turkish, I bring a culturally responsive lens to my work. I understand the complexities of navigating identity, family expectations, and cross-cultural experiences, and I strive to create a space where all parts of your story are respected.

I value collaboration and tailor each session to meet your individual needs. Whether you are working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, we will move at a pace that feels right for you while still maintaining forward progress.

My goal is not only to help you feel better, but to help you build the skills and confidence to manage challenges independently and create lasting change.

One of my priorities is to be open-minded. Everyone struggles with a combination of problems that are specific to them. In the same essence, every person's needs are unique and deserve specialized treatment that is best suited to them. My main areas of experience are with ADHD, Anxiety and Depression; however, I have experience in many different areas. I am committed to your journey and will help you reach your goals!