Meet Vanessa

Vanessa Lai, LPC Associate

Fee: $130 / 45 min session Supervised by: Leigh Rainwater, LPC-S
Pronouns: She / Her
Session Format: In-Person & Virtual / Telehealth / Walk & Talk (as arranged) Works with: Teens 12+, Adults Under 40 Practice passions: Somatic experiencing, Creative and art therapies, Self-Compassion, Narrative work, Motivational interviewing

INTERESTS & specialities:

• Trauma / Complex trauma 

• Depression / Anxiety

• Teens & Young Adults 

• Creatives & Artists 

• Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) 

• Third culture kids 

• Gifted individuals 

• Neurodivergent & LGBTQ+ affirming

Get to know Vanessa:

Outside of therapy I enjoy getting outdoors with my two rescue dogs, scary movies, seeing live music, getting carried away with another art project, and gardening. I seek out new and varied ways to stay active, whether that means hiking, kickboxing, swimming, yoga, or tai chi. As a third culture kid, I have worked to find a unique relationship with my ancestral roots and current existence as a first generation Asian American. I am often inspired by and have spent some time learning how to integrate Eastern philosophies and practices into my overall wellbeing. Growing up in a beach town, the ocean has my heart and is often the place I find most healing. I feel very at home in Austin and love to do anything that keeps me engaged with the local community.

Therapeutic Approach:

I offer counseling that is rooted in a trauma informed holistic approach. My practice is collaborative, strengths based, and relational. I use a bottoms up approach based on the mind-body connection and somatic awareness. I am inspired to work with individuals with non-traditional backgrounds and those that may feel more sensitive than others. I provide compassionate, culturally responsive care in a grounded space to help you explore your identity, interpersonal relationships, and expand your self-awareness. I am passionate about helping you become a more authentic, embodied, and connected version of yourself.

Professional BACKGROUND:

My lifelong love of art led me to study fine art and art history for my undergraduate degree at Florida State University. After graduating, I worked at a children’s art studio where I was able to further witness the transformative power of expressive techniques and the experience of creating. Along that time, I also became a licensed esthetician which granted me the love of intimate, healing environments and caring for clients that I carry into the world of counseling. 

During my studies at Adams State University, I gravitated towards any approaches that allowed me to advocate for my clients and promote inclusivity in the mental health field. I spent my graduate internship at a local community-based non-profit, YWCA of Greater Austin, which allowed me to realize my passion for providing trauma informed therapy with teens and young adults. During this time I also facilitated groups at Manor High school, volunteered with victims’ advocacy groups, and offered clinical care during stressful times at the state Capitol. In addition to providing therapeutic services at GT, I facilitate groups at a psychiatric hospital in town. I enjoy group work and seeing clients find community and connect in meaningful ways.