Existential Therapists in Louisville, KY

If you are motivated to understand the conscious and unconscious forces and meanings that shape your experience and relationships; If you feel you are without choices; if you are struggling with questions of self-worth; if you are grieving; if you feel hurt, betrayed or abandoned, I encourage you to take the brave first step toward your self by entering into this safe space of non-judgment. I desire to create a safe and therapeutic space where individuals feel the safety to be seen and known.

Clients who seek my guidance often yearn for liberation from the burdens of anxiety, stress, depression, or interpersonal strife. Their aspiration extends beyond symptom relief; they desire insight into the underlying causes. Many discover that their surface behaviors merely scratch the surface of their issues and are on a quest for genuine transformation and healing.

Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, life and relational stressors, or healing from trauma, finding a non judgemental space to process can help you feel heard, understood and encouraged as you continue on your Life’s Journey. Working from a collaborative approach, I respect your values, and life’s experience, and can partner with you to identify your personal goals and assist you in making meaningful change to live in alignment with those values.

I specialize in working with grief, loss, and trauma and also have experience working with anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, depression, and relationship issues. I take a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to therapy and enjoy relating to and uncovering a person’s highest self. In my work with clients, I draw from mindfulness-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Buddhist Psychology, and Existential approaches. Additionally, I am trained in EMDR, an evidence-based treatment for trauma.

People are often held captive by their emotions and thoughts, which prevents them from reaching their full potential. My practice is informed by blending mindfulness with other modalities to alleviate this state of distraction and fully experience the present moment. To best treat my clients, I use an integrative approach that draws from many different modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, humanistic, and existential modalities. I am also trained and experienced in EMDR.

I have many years of experience working with early childhood trauma and severe, persistent mental illness, varying from ages of 5 years to 70+. My goal is to empower and advocate for positive change within you, as the individual, and the system as a whole. The place that we will create together is a safe and judgement free space. I work through an Existential foundation, to help those I work with seek meaning and purpose, with skills built from experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, all within the context of a trauma-informed approach.

Are you going through a difficult time and feeling stuck in a repetitive cycle? Have you lost your sense of direction and need help getting back on track? Whether you’re facing challenges with relationships, career, parenting, or anxious thoughts, I am here for you. I provide my clients with a safe place to voice their raw emotions in an environment free of judgment. With collaboration, we will create realistic goals to move you toward your destination. I strive to help clients remove negative thoughts and break patterns, keeping you in the way of reaching your goals.

Life has many challenges and being a child, teenager, or parent is no exception. I enjoy using evidence-based play and expressive activities for children and adolescents and am a Certified AutPlay Therapist who works well with children and teens who are neurodiverse. I integrate Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness for teens and adults. I strive to support parents with the best tools for their family through Positive Discipline Parenting. When working with couples, I utilize Emotionally-Focused Therapy to build a healthy, secure attachment within the relationship.

Do you ever find yourself wondering: How did I get here? Where am I going? Why am I even doing this? When thinking about your relationship, do you ask yourself: Where did the passion and intimacy go? Is this all there is to love? How will I ever be able to trust again? Has anxiety worn you down? Is frustration and anger constantly causing trouble in your life? Is fear keeping you from living the life you want? Is there something you can’t stop? If you answered yes to any of these, you are likely at a crossroads. Please read on.

Making the decision to begin or continue counseling can feel like a vulnerable and challenging process for a person and entire family. Vanessa is committed to creating a safe space (as an ally and advocate with you) as we explore your strengths and work towards a more helpful, balanced, and rewarding present and future. Vanessa uses her professional and personal experience and knowledge to assist individuals and families in moving towards their goals.

TRUST – It’s a simple word, but for those who have been hurt – physically, sexually, emotionally, or spiritually – it’s far from simple to do. Trust is not something I will expect from you initially, but something I will feel honored to earn, as our therapeutic alliance grows and we celebrate together the courage it took for you to seek therapy. I can help you discover what you would like your life to become, even if that sounds impossible right now. I am an LCSW with experience in working with adults and children. I believe individual change can break cycles of abuse and promote parenting styles to build up future generations.

Is there growing distance or escalating conflict in your relationship? Are you or your partner beginning to lose trust in one another? Have you had a bad experience with couples therapy in the past? All of these are areas I am passionate about & skilled at helping clients work through. I am a Master Trainer in Gottman Method, informed by extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy. My specialization means that your therapy with me will involve the two of you interacting in profoundly new ways in an emotionally safe environment. With me serving as your guide on the side, you'll learn to relate to each other honestly & lovingly.

I enjoy working with a variety of people. I know how difficult it can be to make that first step towards healing by seeing a therapist. I want to meet you along the way in making that step as simple as I can. My goal is to ensure that we are a good fit to collaborate and then determine what your most pressing needs are. I am especially interested in working with BIPOC individuals who are moving past cultural assumptions about mental health and pursuing healing in the midst of their doubts.

I am a therapist specializing in adult mental health and addiction disorders. I have 10 years of experience providing individual, family, group, and couples therapy. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient environments. My mission is to be used by God to help others reach their highest potential and purpose in life; to represent and teach tolerance, respect, and harmony; and to promote social and economic justice. I believe that all people regardless of race, culture, age, gender, religion, physical or mental disability, and sexual orientation are entitled to basic rights and fair, humane treatment.

The struggle to manage all of our roles can be intense. Trying to meet expectations, stay healthy, and manage the emotional burden of the past and can be exhausting and challenging every day. Our inner critic may determine our moods, and social media and social comparison can leave us feeling like we're just not enough. In addition, anxiety and depression often keep us stuck in fretting over the past, or worrying that we won't be able to keep it together in the future. When we realize that we need to address the worries or hurts that plague us, therapy can take a lot of the pressure off by healing old wounds and building self-worth.

No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and heard. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—to rediscover their own innate wisdom and strength that can face whatever life brings. We will work together to create a life where you feel more aware and in charge of your journey.

On the outside you have it all together. Nobody would ever guess deep down you question your self-esteem, self-worth, sense of identity, and life's purpose. You frequently wonder who you are at your core if you aren't a parent, a spouse, an employee, or some other role. At times you feel lost and disconnected from yourself and others, which has resulted in anxiety, frustration, depression, and further isolation. Maybe you've experienced a life transition that has left you reeling and you finally feel ready for some soul searching and deep, candid internal conversations. If this is you, then we have work to do.

I take a collaborative approach to therapy through which I assist you as you raise your self-awareness, build on your strengths, and cultivate authenticity in your life. We will explore all aspects of what is influencing your well-being including your thoughts, feelings, relationships, societal and institutional influences, and your place in the natural world. My primary goal is to create a safe and accepting environment where you can fully express yourself, take emotional risks, and reach your full potential. All worldviews are welcome in my office.

***IN-PERSON AND TELETHERAPY APPOINTMENTS***NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS***Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. We specialize in a variety of issues: trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustments through difficulty life situations, addiction, men's issues; and we work with teens and adults in an individual, couple or family setting.