Therapy Austin
Vanessa Dunham Therapy Austin

Vanessa Dunham, LCSW

she/her/hers

Senior Counselor
Fully Licensed

Welcome! I’m so glad that you’re here. Whether you are new to therapy or are returning to it, I know that taking the step to begin therapy can be challenging. I commend you on your courage and commitment to yourself to take this step. I believe therapy is a powerful tool for increasing support, increasing insight into ourselves and for fostering personal and relationship growth. It is my goal to provide a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental space for you to receive support in this journey. 

I believe we all have unique strengths and the potential for growth. Sometimes when challenges in our lives cause distress it can be hard for us to see our strengths and sometimes we can feel stuck. I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to help clients identify their strengths, ways to overcome challenges and to build strategies that will foster a sense of increased peace and more meaningful living. In our work together we will explore if there are any patterns that are not as useful anymore to you, recognize how those strategies may have served you before and we will work together to find new insights, tools and skills that work best for you for your personal growth goals. Using a strengths-based and integrative approach, I draw from different modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills (DBT), interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory and mindfulness techniques. I  provide individual and relationship counseling. I often work with people experiencing chronic illness, cancer, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, adjustment to life changes, grief and loss, interpersonal difficulties and stress. I strive to be inclusive and affirming of all identities. 

A little bit about me: I’m originally from the Midwest, but Texas has been my home since 1998. I was moved to become a social worker after my own personal experience with cancer as a teenager. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2007 and after 3 years of working at a not-for-profit organization, I went back to school to earn my Master of Science in Social Work degree at the University of Texas at Arlington in 2013. During graduate school, I completed my counseling internship at the University's community counseling center run by the School of Social Work. In my career I have practiced in different settings including outpatient cancer centers, integrated care in a primary care clinic and counseling agencies. During my free time I enjoy baking, taking walks with my family, reading and game nights with friends. 

If you’d like to speak with me to learn more or to talk about how we might work together, please call (512)201-4501 x 326 or fill out our appointment request form.

Work with Vanessa

Want help finding a great counselor? Call us at (512) 201-4501 ext. 1 or share your contact info here.

More about Vanessa

Rates

Starts at $125/hr*
*Actual rates subject to counselor openings

Area of Expertise

Strengths-Based and Integrative 

Warm and Collaborative 

Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, Disability. Life Transitions, Depression, Anxiety


Services

Individual Counseling

Locations

Offsite
Highland

Works With

Development Trauma
Identity Development/Exploration
Imposter Syndrome
Inner Critic/Negative Self Talk
Premarital Issues
Anxiety & Stress
Issues Related to Oppression
Depression/Low Mood
Loneliness/Isolation
Low Self-Esteem
Troubled Childhood
Trauma
Troublesome Behaviors
Relationship to Food/Body
Obsessive/Compulsive Tendencies
Problem Thoughts
Perfectionism
Personal Growth
Life Transitions
Spirituality
Grief & Loss
Exploring Sexuality/Sexual Expression
Gender Identity
Issues with Parents
Communication Issues
Conflict Resolution
Relationship Issues
Death & Dying
Caregiver Fatigue
Chronic Illness
Neurodivergence (ADD/Autism)
Interrupted Sleep/Insomnia
Career Transitions
Problems at Work
Problems at School
Divorce
Social Skills Development
Academic Pressure

Techniques & Experience

Practices from an anti-racist lens
Focused on practicing skills
Mindfulness modalities
CBT oriented
DBT trained/informed
Solution-focused/Brief Therapy
Helpful with mid-20's challenges
Anxiety alleviation experience
Integrates art therapies
Specializing in grief, loss, death, dying
Trauma-focused
ACT - Values Based Therapy
Gottman Method
EFT (Emotion Focused Therapy)

Qualities

Warm & caring
Calm & slow-paced
Enjoys working with midlife adults
Enjoys working with first-time therapy clients
Friendly & direct
Active sense of humor
Enjoys working with young adults
Anxiety alleviation experience
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
Spiritually sensitive
Enjoys working with older adults
Motherly
Youthful
Decades of life experience
Lived experience/Identity affirming
Professional experience other than counseling
Identity Affirming
Nonjudgmental
Patient
Schedule Openings
To find out what openings Vanessa has currently, please submit a request and specify Vanessa Dunham in the comment box
Work with Vanessa
Additional Info

Contact Vanessa

512-201-4501 ext 326