About Your Clinician

Vanessa Brister, LCSW #99623

I believe in addressing mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of well-being as a whole. My goal to integrate wellness practices such as, yoga, nutrition and complementary techniques. I have served children, families, inmates and victims in our community for over a decade. I have worked with various disciplines and settings, such as courts, correctional institutions, safety shelters, group homes, schools and hospitals. I have decided to use my expertise in trauma to support those in need by healing through nurturing approaches.

Specialties & Modalities:

Trauma Informed & Client Centered Care Practices
Evidence Based Nurturing Practices
CBT, EMDR, DBT, ERP, IFS, Mindfulness, Narrative

Experience in the Following Issues

Parenting
Adolescences
Foster Care/Adoption/Infertility
Incarceration
Domestic Violence
Divorce/Infidelity/Family Conflict
Grief and Loss

Certifications & Trainings

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2 (CCTP-II)
Trained in EMDR
Trained Perinatal Mental Health Professional
Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP)
Facilitator for Nurturing Parenting Programs
Certification in Infant Mental Health Training
Domestic Violence Counselor Training

Education

Master’s in Social Work from University of Southern California, August 2017
Bachelors in Criminology and certification in Victim Services from California State University of Fresno, May 2012

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychotherapy

Please reach us at vanessa.brister@answersinside.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How do I know if therapy is for me?

Reality is...therapy is as vital for our mental health as our diet or gym can be for our physical health. When we feel something is not right with our physical health we seek attention from our Primary Physician. So I ask you...Have you not been feeling yourself? Have you noticed your sleep or appetite change? Have you been told that you act differently or need to talk to someone? Feeling more irritable or sad than usual? Have you found yourself indulging in unhealthy habits or behaviors such as drinking, shopping, etc. If you answer yes to any of those questions it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional.

How long will I need therapy?

After your initial assessment I will have a better idea of what time frame is recommended.

What types of groups are available for staff?

Groups can vary based on need. Could be a brief process groups for grief, or stress management. Parenting groups are also available based on need and request.

What Type of Insurance Do you Take?

At the moment, the insurances that are accepted are listed in the fees section. I am an out of network provider. What that means is that if you have a PPO we can still use your insurance, coverage may just be a little different. For a review of benefits please call our office to obtain needed information.