Meet Vanessa Guevara, ACMHC at Gold Counseling in Draper, UT

Exploring mental health has been a significant part of Vanessa’s healing journey. As someone who has attended therapy herself, Vanessa has learned the importance of having the right team of professionals and clinicians. This team was key in being able to share her story and challenge herself in empowering ways. With that help, she has gained a voice and learned how to advocate for herself and her well-being. Most importantly, she learned about the beauty and power of vulnerability by speaking her truth. Therapy has given her a profound outlook on life by helping her find and live her purpose. This has allowed her to embrace her life and trauma in ways she never imagined. Understanding her role in this world has given her the freedom and confidence to chase her dreams and live unapologetically as her true, authentic self.

After completing her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University, Vanessa has been devoted to continuing her education by pursuing her PhD in Health Psychology to help expand her knowledge as a mental health professional. In addition, Vanessa earned her BS in psychology with her minor in sociology from Northern Arizona University. Her seven years of experience in the mental health field include counseling, life coaching, case management and crisis work, which has inspired her to build a career in helping clients work through their trauma, pain, stressors, life adjustments and grief/loss.

As a PhD researcher, Vanessa is passionate about the human mind. More specifically, she focuses on understanding how the events we experience help shape and create our thoughts, values, beliefs, and needs. Vanessa has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings where she has assisted trauma and crisis clients by providing them support, safety, and empowerment. She has gained experience by working with clients who have faced various forms of trauma including sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, religious trauma, cultural trauma, and grief/loss. Most of her experience has been with adults who have struggled with anxiety, adjustment disorders, depression, and PTSD.

Vanessa specializes in EMDR and advocates for trauma survivors by helping them find their voice, practice self-care, advocate their needs, build healthy coping skills and process their experiences and emotions in a safe and welcoming environment. She does this by using an eclectic approach to tailor treatment to meet the needs and goals of clients.

I am a firm believer that self-care is the best way to love yourself. Self-care is self-love and it is the greatest gift we can give ourselves. I find that implementing a self-care routine is a powerful way we can create fulfillment in our lives. In addition, self-care is a crucial part of our overall wellness. This helps us maintain a healthy work-life balance while managing unpredictable or difficult events. Self-care is how we take our power back and can build resilience. When looking at developing self-care, it is essential to consider your needs and values.

My self-care practice consists of meditation, gratitude, journaling, singing, yoga, working out, hiking, massage therapy, acupuncture, Reiki energy healing, sound healing, aromatherapy, cooking and being outdoors.

“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what is left of you.” -Katie Reed

I have always had a passion for writing and find that this form of self-expression helps me process and heal during challenging times. Additionally, nature has always been my happy place and I find myself in constant awe of the stars, sunsets, sunrises, trees, and animals all around me. I find inspiration outdoors and believe this helps me stay grounded by appreciating the life and world around me. I believe that meditation is a form of healing that goes beyond relaxation to help me connect with myself and the environment.

The strength and courage it takes to be able to share our experiences is a beautiful and sacred part of humanity. As a trauma therapist, my goals and passions are to help individuals express, embrace, and empower their true authentic selves. When we can live honoring our true selves, we create meaning and find purpose in what we aspire to achieve in life. This empowers us to take control of our lives, and by working on our trauma, we can break free from shame, guilt, fear, or resistance by embracing our true selves.

I find that integrating the mind, body and soul is the best way to promote healing and recovery. Although I have an eclectic approach in treatment, I find myself drawing from humanistic, neurological, psychoanalytical, and strength-based approaches combined with CBT, DBT, narrative and mindfulness techniques, to help address daily stressors, coping skills, boundary setting, negative thoughts, and trauma. I develop tailored treatment plans based on individual needs, goals, and aspirations. This way I can draw from the interests and values of my clients. With the power of self-care, I hope to encourage clients to explore their passions and establish a strong sense of self-identity.

I believe that everything in life serves a purpose. No matter how painful it may be, I believe that we always have something to learn from our most challenging experiences. I do not believe that this justifies the pain or struggle, but I wholeheartedly believe that the root of our pain is also the source of where our healing begins. If we ask ourselves what is underneath our trauma, pain, or wounds, what would we find? What would our lives be like if we could release our pain and fear? I believe the answers you’re looking for are already within you. I hope that together we can work on finding your purpose and healing your pain so that you can have the freedom and happiness you deserve.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” – Aristotle

Contact us today for Vanessa Guevara’s current availability.

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