- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Family of origin issues
About Vanessa
Dr. Vanessa Prestridge Graf is a Doctor of Psychology and a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 29 years of experience in California. She works with stress, anxiety, relationships, parenting concerns, self-esteem, depression, addictions, LGBT issues, grief, intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping problems, anger, and bipolar-related concerns. Family of origin issues and attachment topics are listed among her focuses.
She uses practical techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral work to help people spot unhelpful thoughts. She talks about how early beliefs formed in childhood can keep people repeating patterns as adults. Mindfulness practices are part of her approach for anxiety and depression, helping people notice what is working in daily life.
Her psychodynamic perspective brings attention to longstanding patterns that began in family relationships. Sessions look at recurring roles and expectations from childhood that still influence choices now. She helps people identify those patterns and consider different ways of responding.
In therapy she guides clients to reframe negative thought habits and build more adaptive beliefs. Practical exercises and brief behavioral changes are used alongside reflective discussion. The work balances moments of learning with straightforward steps to try between sessions.
Starting therapy is described as a sometimes difficult but constructive step. She encourages people to face vulnerabilities with curiosity and a sense of humor. Over many years she has observed change when people shift how they think and act.
How her approaches translate to online work
Dr. Graf uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help people notice and change unhelpful thinking. CBT focuses on identifying specific thoughts and testing them with small behavioral experiments, which can be practiced between sessions to reduce anxiety or improve mood.She also uses mindfulness therapy to bring attention to present-moment experience. Mindfulness exercises teach noticing mental habits and shifting focus toward what is working, which can lessen rumination and support emotion regulation.
Her psychodynamic perspective looks at recurring patterns rooted in early family relationships. Online discussions can identify those patterns and consider how they play out now, helping people try different responses in daily life.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. She works collaboratively to match methods to a person’s needs, goals, and preferences. That means adjusting the balance of CBT, mindfulness, and psychodynamic work as therapy progresses.
Confirm the session formats offered before booking, since the biography does not list specific options. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example shorter check-ins during a break, or sessions that avoid travel time. It can also allow continued work on thoughts and behaviors between meetings, keeping momentum from week to week.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
29+ years
Listed in
California, Colorado
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns as well as depression, addictions, grief, intimacy issues and related areas listed in her profile.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style combines cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and psychodynamic reflection to address thoughts, behaviors, and early patterns.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 29 years of professional experience working with adults on mood, relationship and family-origin concerns.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a Doctor of Psychology and a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) licensed in California.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are used?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm the current options before booking.
How are fees structured?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin with her?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
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