Therapist / Vanessa Lai LPC-A

Vanessa uses trauma-informed postmodern approaches to counseling with an emphasis on systems and relationships. Using a mix of strengths based, client-centered frameworks she focuses on creating a counseling space built on safety and authenticity while also taking into consideration social contexts. When coming to therapy you will be met with warmth, non-judgement, and open-mindedness. Often times sessions can go beyond traditional talk therapy since she uses her art background to introduce creative and expressive techniques like narrative and art therapy. She also pulls from a holistic view on mental wellness and brings somatic (the mind-body connection) practices into sessions. During treatment she favors externalizing the problem, practicing emotional regulation skills, body/breathwork, and stress reduction skills among other therapeutic techniques. She believes therapy can be a space to explore your identity and develop the relationships with those around you.

Vanessa’s passion for the creative arts started at a young age and lead her to study fine art and art history for her undergraduate degree at Florida State University. After graduating, she worked at a children’s art studio and got licensed as an esthetician at Aveda. She carries her love of intimate, healing environments and caring for clients from her successful career as a skin therapist into the world of counseling.

During her graduate studies at Adams State University, she gravitated towards any approaches that allowed her to advocate for her clients and promote inclusivity in the mental health field. She spent her graduate internship at a local community-based non-profit which allowed her to realize her passion for working with teens and young adults in particular. She feels very at home in Austin and loves to do anything that keeps her engaged with the local community. She loved running groups for teens at Manor High and seeing young clients connect in a meaningful way.