Vanessa Mortillo is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides individual counseling and group therapy to youth and young adults. Vanessa believes that therapy should be as fun, collaborative, and easily accessible as possible. Utilizing mindfulness, expressive arts, and play therapy modalities, she harnesses creativity and imagination in the service of growth and healing. She has worked with families and individuals from a variety of backgrounds and is committed to advancing equity and social justice in the therapeutic relationship and beyond. Vanessa has a Master’s Degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy from Naropa University and over 10 years of experience in the field.
Play Therapy and Expressive Arts
Vanessa will meet with your child, on their level, by utilizing their natural language: play. Through play-based and art-based interventions, she supports children working with anxiety/depression, divorce/separation issues, trauma, and a range of issues, to process, heal, and gain new skills.
Family Interventions
Vanessa works with families through parent coaching and play-based interventions including Theraplay and Filial Therapy to build strong, resilient families and help you best support your children.
Neurodivergence
Vanessa is experienced in supporting individuals on the Autism Spectrum at all ages including preschool-aged youth to help them build skills necessary for thriving. For youth, she utilizes a Floortime-influenced play-based approach using your child’s natural interests to build connections, gain social skills, and reach developmental milestones.
Safe and Sound Protocol
Vanessa is trained in the Safe and Sound Protocol, a powerful listening therapy that supports nervous system regulation. This intervention can support individuals suffering from Post-traumatic Stress disorder, Anxiety, sensory issues, interpersonal connections and a range of issues.
Play Therapy Groups
Vanessa provides small, attendance-limited groups to help your child get real-world experience with peers in a safe environment. Group participants learn how to identify and appropriately express emotions and build connections with peers.
