Therapy Approaches
How Vanessa Works
Vanessa Gross, LMFT, describes her work as "incorporating a client-centered focus with attachment-based interventions, cognitive and mindfulness-based approaches to help clients learn how to navigate difficult emotions." In practice, that means the relationship comes first and the techniques are chosen to fit you.
A Client-Centered Relationship Comes First
Client-centered means your goals, values and pace guide the work. Vanessa enjoys open dialog and a genuine, two-way relationship. She explains her thinking, asks what is and is not helping, and welcomes it when you push back.
The Approaches Vanessa Draws On
She draws on cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT skills taught within individual therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and psychodynamic therapy, alongside attachment-based and mindfulness-based work. With couples, she uses the Gottman Method.
The mix depends on what you are dealing with and how you like to work. Someone who wants practical tools between sessions may do more CBT. Someone who keeps landing in the same relationship pattern may spend more time on psychodynamic work, and the blend can change as therapy moves along.
In This Section
CBT
CBT looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions feed each other, and Vanessa pairs its practical exercises with a client-centered relationship.Read More
DBT Skills
Vanessa teaches DBT skills for strong emotions, hard moments and difficult conversations one-on-one, as part of individual therapy.Read More
ACT
ACT helps you make room for difficult thoughts and feelings and put your energy into what matters, using values, willingness, defusion and committed action.Read MorePsychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy explores how earlier relationships shape the patterns you repeat today, and how that understanding works alongside practical skills.Read MoreFirst Sessions
How starting therapy with Vanessa works, from the free 15-minute phone consultation to the first 60-minute video session and the goals that follow.Read MoreQuestions
Frequently Asked Questions
You can leave that to the first few sessions. Vanessa listens to what you are dealing with, suggests a starting mix and explains why. If you already have a preference, such as wanting structured exercises or more open conversation, say so and she will take it into account.
Related Pages
Specialties
What Vanessa works with in online therapy for adults and couples across Texas, from anxiety and ADHD to grief and life transitions.Read More
About Vanessa
Read MoreChoosing a Therapist
What to check when choosing a therapist: license and state, approach, practical details, questions to ask, and when to keep looking.Read MoreA gentler next step
You don't have to know exactly what to say.
A free 15-minute phone consultation is a simple place to begin.