Vanessa Alegria, LMFT-A

Meet with Vanessa

• Online appointments.
• Young Adults (18–25) and Adults (26–64)
• Languages: English and Spanish.

Payment options: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Sana.

Availability and insurance coverage are confirmed before scheduling.

Request an appointment with Vanessa

Vanessa's focus

• Abandonment
• Anxiety
• Attachment Concerns
• Complex Trauma
• Depression
• Divorce / Separation
• Intergenerational Trauma
• PTSD
• Relationship Concerns
• Sexual Trauma
• Trauma

Professional profile

Vanessa Alegria graduated from Texas A&M University and earned her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University. Having lived in both Chile and Spain, she brings a multicultural perspective and a deep appreciation for the diverse experiences that shape each individual’s story.

Welcome

My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and the belief that every person’s story deserves to be heard without judgment. I strive to create a space where you feel safe being yourself, exploring difficult emotions, and discovering new ways to move forward.

Whether we are working through trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, or life transitions, I will meet you where you are and collaborate with you toward the changes you hope to make. Therapy is not about having all the answers; it is about creating space for growth, healing, and a deeper connection with yourself and others.

I would be honored to walk alongside you in that process.

How I work

In a session with me, you can expect a warm, supportive, and curious space where we can explore both what you are experiencing today and the experiences that have shaped who you are. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I believe that understanding your past, including your childhood and significant relationships, can help us make sense of patterns in your present life.

What Vanessa helps with

• Abandonment
• Anxiety
• Attachment Concerns
• Complex Trauma
• Depression
• Divorce / Separation
• Intergenerational Trauma
• PTSD
• Relationship Concerns
• Sexual Trauma
• Trauma
• Boundaries
• Codependency
• Family Conflict
• Infidelity / Betrayal
• Meaning & Purpose
• Parenting
• People-Pleasing
• Self-Esteem
• Spiritual Growth
• Domestic Violence Survivor Support
• Mood Disorders

Who Vanessa works with

• Christians
• Couples & Partners
• Spiritually Exploring Individuals
• Bicultural / Multicultural Individuals
• Caregivers
• College Students
• Intercultural Families
• Intergenerational Families
• Latino / Hispanic Communities
• Parents & New Parents
• Sex-Positive Individuals
• Young Professionals
• Adoptive & Foster Families
• Chronic Pain / Chronic Illness
• First Responders
• Gifted Adults
• Neurodivergent Individuals

How Vanessa works

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Gottman Method
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Narrative Therapy
• Person-Centered
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
• Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
• Polyvagal-Informed

Therapist spotlight

What made you decide to become a counselor?

My journey to becoming a therapist grew from a deep curiosity about people, their stories, and the experiences that shape who they become. I have had the opportunity to experience different cultures, perspectives, and ways of connecting with others. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the complexity of each person’s story and the importance of feeling understood.

My background in education also shaped my desire to support people in a more meaningful and personal way. Over time, I became increasingly interested in how our childhood experiences, family relationships, and past experiences influence how we navigate life and connect with others.

If you could teach the world one skill or technique to improve their lives, what would it be?

Self-awareness. I believe that learning to ask ourselves, "Why do I feel this way?" and "What is this experience trying to teach me?" can change the way we relate to ourselves and others. Self-awareness creates the possibility for compassion, healthier relationships, and meaningful change. When we understand ourselves more deeply, we have greater freedom to choose the kind of person we want to be.

If you could recommend one book to all your clients, what would it be?

This is not a book about therapy, but, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

How do you personally practice self-care?

Self-care for me includes time with family and friends, working out, and reading a good book.

Have you personally been in counseling and if so, what did you learn about yourself?

Becoming more aware of my behavioral patterns.

What inspires you to help others?

For me, helping others is about more than offering guidance. It is about building a genuine connection, creating space for growth, and reminding people that their past does not have to determine their future.

Who is your ideal client?

A client who is unafraid of facing difficult memories.

How do you relate to Mindfulness? How do you incorporate it in your sessions?

I incorporate mindfulness into my sessions by helping clients slow down, connect with the present moment, and develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. I believe mindfulness can create space between what we experience and how we respond, allowing us to approach ourselves and our relationships with greater curiosity and compassion.

If you are hosting a dinner party, who are the 3 people you would invite and why?

Alanis Morrissette, because I could talk with her for hours about vulnerability, relationships, and what it means to live authentically. Anthony Bourdain because I love the way food and travel open doors to other cultures and connect us through stories. And Viktor Frankl, because his perspective on finding meaning through life's most difficult experiences would make for a profound conversation.