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Vanessa Patterson

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #LMFT-#48940
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Vanessa Patterson, MA, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #LMFT-#48940
(424) 438-2888

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience, I am dedicated to providing Christian counseling to individuals, couples, and families. My areas of expertise include parenting support, strengthening couple relationships, and guiding families through challenging seasons. I also work with individuals facing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, women’s issues, grief and loss, postpartum anxiety and depression, and ADHD. As your counselor I will integrate faith with evidence-based therapies to help you navigate life’s challenges, strengthen your relationships, and grow spiritually.

Huntington Beach - Mon, Tue & FriOnline Counseling - Mon, Tue & Fri

About

In my practice I integrate my clinical training with a strong Christian faith. I bring over two decades of experience, advanced certifications in evidence-based therapies, and a heart for walking alongside people in distress. With compassion and professionalism, I offer a Christ-centered space where you can receive both practical therapeutic tools and spiritual support. My hope is that through our time together, you will be equipped with the skills needed to overcome the challenges you face, deepen your relationship with the Lord, experience renewed hope, and discover God’s presence in the midst of your struggles.

My Goal as a Christian Counselor

My goal is to create a welcoming space where you can experience hope and lasting transformation. As your therapist, my aim is for you to feel seen, supported, and equipped. I will work with you from a Christ-centered perspective to not only help you heal and grow, but also to walk forward with a stronger sense of purpose, faith in the Lord, and confidence to better handle the circumstances that come your way.

What I Offer in Christian Counseling

I specialize in helping individuals take steps toward navigating life’s challenges, strengthening emotional well-being, and deepening their relationship with the Lord. Prayer is an integral part of my practice, and I offer a supportive, Christ-centered environment where you will be encouraged to connect with God’s presence and experience the healing power found in Jesus Christ.

My Approach to Christian Counseling

I believe that integrating the Christian faith with proven therapeutic approaches can lead to meaningful transformation. My work is grounded in biblical principles, Attachment Theory, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These evidence-based approaches provide practical tools and insights that can help you better understand your thoughts, emotions, and relationships. As we incorporate prayer and a reliance on the Holy Spirit, God can do incredible work through our time together in Christian counseling.

Biography

Qualifications & Experience

With over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health, I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Chapman University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Biblical Studies from Biola University.

I am nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). In addition, I am a certified PCIT Trainer and have trained other therapists in the effective implementation of PCIT. I spent 10 years working in a county-funded agency serving children, adolescents, families, and couples where I gained extensive experience supporting complex clinical needs.

My Call to Christian Counseling

In my younger years, the Lord placed me in many situations where I was able to offer support and encouragement to friends and family who were struggling with their mental and relational health. I believe God was preparing and equipping me for a calling to walk alongside others in times of distress.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I enjoy exploring a wide variety of hobbies and creative outlets. I love art in all its forms, especially watercolor painting. I also enjoy singing, playing the piano, baking, sewing, and gardening. In my free time, I enjoy camping and participating in scouting activities with my husband and our two children. We are also very involved in our church community.

Services and Specialities

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

  • Abandonment and Neglect
  • ADHD
  • Aging and Geriatric Issues
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Autism
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Coaching
  • Counseling for Children
  • Counseling for Teens
  • Couples Counseling
  • Codependency
  • Depression
  • Family Counseling
  • Grief and Loss
  • Individual Counseling
  • Infidelity and Affairs
  • Lifespan Integration
  • Marriage Counseling
  • OCD
  • Online Counseling
  • Parenting
  • Personal Development
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Premarital Counseling
  • Psychological Testing
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Spiritual Development
  • Trauma
  • Women’s Issues

ADHD

If you’re struggling with ADHD, you’re not alone. As your counselor, I will help you develop strategies to manage your focus and daily responsibilities. Together, we’ll explore practical tools and coping skills that fit your life, while also drawing on prayer and biblical principles to help you find patience, self-compassion, and confidence in your God-given strengths.

Family Counseling

In family counseling, I work with each member to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen your connections with one another. I’ll help you understand patterns in your relationships and develop healthier ways of interacting, while exploring how faith and biblical principles can guide your family toward unity and healing.

Marriage Counseling

Marriage can bring both joy and challenges, and I help couples navigate difficulties by implementing practical tools to enhance your relationship. Together we’ll work on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and deepening intimacy, while also fostering a spiritual connection that allows God to guide and strengthen your marriage.

Parenting

Parenting can feel overwhelming at times, and I provide support and guidance to help you raise your children with confidence and love. We’ll explore strategies for discipline, communication, and emotional connection, all while grounding your parenting in biblical truths, helping you lead your children with wisdom from God.

Individual Counseling

In individual counseling, I provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts and emotions amidst life’s challenges. In our sessions we’ll work on developing coping strategies and fostering personal growth, all while integrating prayer and biblical principles to help you experience healing and hope in every area of your life.

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):

  • Huntington Beach – Monday, Tuesday and Friday
  • Online Counseling – Monday, Tuesday and Friday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals and couples looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free 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 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), most 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).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.

About Biography Services Payment

I started seeing Vanessa during a Family Therapy session back in 2015, since that day I’ve continued to see her. Over the past 11 years she has helped me overcome an accident that was life changing, encouragement about continuing/graduating school, an unexpected death, and much much more. I love the fact that Vanessa is a Christian Therapist but doesn’t always make it about the Lord our Savior. She truly listens and cares about you as her client. I honestly cannot recommend her enough!

Vanessa has been a wonderful help for my daughter! She always helps put her on a positive path and does it without any judgement, just kindness and understanding.

Vanessa is an incredibly attentive and compassionate listener who creates a space where people can feel truly seen, heard, and valued. Over the last few years, she has had a unique ability to hold space in various life circumstances with both grace and discernment. She has offered wisdom that is grounded in truth and rooted in Christ. Anyone who works with her will be met with genuine care, thoughtful insight, and a deep respect for their growth, healing and personal journey!

I’ve always known Vanessa to be incredibly grounded, warm, and professional. She has a natural ability to make others feel at ease while maintaining strong ethical values and genuine compassion

Really can’t say enough things about Vanessa and the team. During great times, they are there, during difficult times, an even greater presence, understanding and clarity is always made. Honest, trustworthy, real and devoted to faith and love. 1000% recommend. You will not go wrong.