Vanessa Nagel, LPC, NCC
Pronouns - she/her
Vanessa is currently accepting new clients.
“My priority is to create a nonjudgmental space and trusting relationship to work toward your goals together.”
Approach to Therapy:
We are all human beings, being human in our behaviors. I approach therapy from a humanistic, inclusive, and trauma-informed lens with deep respect for individuality. I provide therapy that celebrates neurodiversity. I encourage curiosity and self-compassion as we develop awareness and insight, process life experiences, feel emotions, and explore coping skills in therapy sessions. My priority is to create a nonjudgmental space and trusting relationship to work toward your goals together. I believe that clients are experts on their inner selves, and I consider myself a lifelong learner who is walking alongside them.
Theoretically I take an integrated approach, drawing from relational and psychoanalytic theory, mindfulness-based intervention, DBT and ACT. In working with children, play-based approach and sensory interventions such as drawing/coloring or mindful movement may be incorporated to support client goals such as supporting mind-body connection, neurodiverse learning, enhancing coping or self-expression skills.
Clinical Interests:
I provide individual therapy for children, teens, and adults. I am a neurodiversity affirming therapist. I have experience working with clients experiencing stressful life transitions, ADHD, autism, developmental disabilities, grief, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety. I am committed to providing a safe therapy experience for all sexualities, genders, races, ethnicities, religions, and abilities.
Education and Training:
I earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois and working toward my clinical licensure, anticipated in 2024. My prior experience includes working with children, teens, adults and families in school, home, and outpatient settings in Illinois. I am certified in Mental Health First Aid and have enjoyed leading parent support groups for autistic caregivers and 1:1 parenting training for behavior management skills.
3 Things I love:
My adopted pitbull Boogie, dancing, and that moment someone is laughing so hard they can’t finish telling the story!
Vanessa can be reached at: vanessa@amandaatkinschicago.com.