Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Vanessa James

Aptos

Summary

Passionate about providing excellent care and attention for those in Santa Cruz and surrounding areas. Holistic associate marriage family therapist experienced in providing care and empowerment for individuals and coupes of all walks of life. Looking to share and enhance skills as a compassionate counselor providing resources, empowerment, and a safe container to explore and heal.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Associate Marriage Family Therapsit

A New Hope Counseling
03.2023 - Current
  • Rendered mental health and counseling services to individuals and families , focusing on trauma informed somatic therapy ,IFS, CBT, Gestalt, and Nonviolent Communication of healthy relationships.
  • Conducted intake and needs assessments to set therapeutic goals and establish professional relationships with clients.
  • Maintained accurate and thoroughly documented notes and client records in accordance with licensing standards.

Associate Marriage Family Therapist

A Spiral Process Therapy
09.2023 - 01.2024
  • Developed individualized treatment plans to address specific needs and goals of clients through process therapy skills online and in-person.
  • Addressed intergenerational trauma within families by implementing culturally sensitive interventions that promote healing across generations.
  • Supported parents in navigating challenging situations such as divorce or custody disputes, reducing stressors in the family system.
  • Utilized play therapy techniques with children to facilitate expression of emotions and processing of traumatic experiences.

Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

The Family Services Agency
08.2021 - 07.2022
  • Conducted intake and needs assessments to set therapeutic goals and establish professional relationships with clients.
  • Performed individual and group psychotherapy and conducted teletherapy sessions to help clients pinpoint emotions underlying personal and relational conflicts.
  • Counseled clients on concerns such as unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation or financial difficulties.
  • Countered problematic behavior with healthy alternatives to enhance mental, emotional and physical wellness and increase energy.

Licensed Massage Therapist

The Tea House Spa
04.2015 - 11.2019
  • Highly-skilled Licensed Massage Therapist with more than 15 years experience in wide array of healing techniques and modalities. Committed to providing body work for well-being of mind and body.
  • Create strong rapport, trust and safety with repeat clients of diverse back grounds and needs.

Substitute Teacher

Pajaro Valley And Santa Cruz School Districts
01.2011 - 11.2013
  • Assisted K-12 students of all ability levels develop life-long learning skills and good study habits
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts
  • Worked closely with marginalized groups in after hour programs creating positive reinforcement strategies
  • Fluent in Spanish

Education

Master of Arts - Holistic Psychology

John F.Kennedy University
San Jose
09.2022

Somatic Counseling - Somatic Therapy

Hakomi Institute
Berkeley, CA
12.2017

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations

Cal State Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA
12.2011

Skills

  • Fluent in Spanish
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Attentive
  • Thoughtful
  • Empathic
  • Intuitive
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Warm and Personable
  • Professional and Organized
  • Refined Leadership Skills

Timeline

Associate Marriage Family Therapist

A Spiral Process Therapy
09.2023 - 01.2024

Associate Marriage Family Therapsit

A New Hope Counseling
03.2023 - Current

Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

The Family Services Agency
08.2021 - 07.2022

Licensed Massage Therapist

The Tea House Spa
04.2015 - 11.2019

Substitute Teacher

Pajaro Valley And Santa Cruz School Districts
01.2011 - 11.2013

Master of Arts - Holistic Psychology

John F.Kennedy University

Somatic Counseling - Somatic Therapy

Hakomi Institute

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations

Cal State Monterey Bay
Vanessa James