Dr. Vanessa Gross

Biography

Qualifications & Experience

I have a BA in Psychology from St. Thomas University in Houston. I received my Master’s in Clinical Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. I am also licensed as a Medical Doctor (MD).

My Call to Christian Counseling

My own journey of working with a Christian therapist during a difficult season in my life inspired me to want to help others as a primarily faith-based therapist. I would not have been able to have the same experience with a secular counselor, and now I’m thankful to be able to offer guidance to others using a faith-based approach including prayer and the true, lasting peace that can only come from Christ.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I really enjoy traveling, being outdoors, and staying active with activities like yoga, kayaking, and hiking as well as exploring new areas with my Wirefox Terrier, Chester.

Services and Specialities

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chemical Dependency
• Coaching
• Counseling for Children
• Counseling for Teens
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Family Counseling
• Grief and Loss
• Group Counseling
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Marriage Counseling
• OCD
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Professional Development
• Psychiatric Care Services
• Relationship Issues
• Sex and Porn Addiction
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma

Depression

I start by developing trust and working to build a therapeutic relationship while offering hope that what you are experiencing now will lift and is temporal. Very soon within the beginning of therapy, it is important to examine thought patterns and the ongoing dialogue that may be playing out that is often subconscious. I find incorporating CBT techniques early on can often provide results within the first two months of therapy, as my clients will learn to change unhelpful thought patterns. I also incorporate behavioral activation techniques which is often assigned as “homework” to help my clients build momentum in their daily lives.

Trauma and PTSD

When dealing with trauma, I make sure to encourage my clients in their journey, as healing is a very individual process that looks different for each client and is nonlinear. By leading with a client-centered approach, I move at the client’s pace and help build up coping skills such as grounding as needed. This approach often incorporates different areas and techniques such as inner child healing, emotional processing in different forms (writing, yoga, art interventions, guided visualization exercises), creating a timeline, core belief work, and narrative therapy.

Codependency

Codependency is an area in which clients often benefit from more psychoeducation, which can help further their self-awareness of codependent relational patterns, where they stem from, and the purpose they have historically served. As clients come to understand themselves better and their emotional needs, boundary work becomes very important. This includes how to set healthy boundaries in various contexts, which is modeled within the session and therapeutic relationship and practiced in between sessions. I support my clients by helping them find their voice in communicating and advocating for their own needs.

Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse

Clients struggling with various forms of substance abuse benefit the most from an integrative approach that combines support from other healthcare professionals as well as the family system, when possible. I work with the client to uncover the underlying issues that fuel the dependency as I conceptualize substance abuse as an unhealthy coping mechanism or “Band-Aid.” It is also important to address any underlying guilt or shame associated with the use that can hinder recovery and ensure a nonjudgmental approach.

Personal Development

I enjoy working with my clients in a solutions-oriented manner to help them achieve their personal short- and long-term goals. These can range from creating healthier lifestyle habits, a career focus, improving relationships, or even organizational goals. My clients will often see short-term progress in the first 1-2 months as it is a collaborative process and the majority of the work occurs between sessions as motivation builds.

Payment and Forms

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• Irvine (Online) – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals, couples, and groups looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the initial session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).