Our Team

Hello, I’m Vanessa Lucero (she/her), an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from National University and my Bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy exploring San Diego, taking long walks near the beach, discovering new little shops and places around the city, and listening to podcasts and audiobooks. Spending time with my family and animals is also an important part of my life and how I recharge.

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I love working with...

I love working with children, teens, young adults, and individuals at different stages of life. I especially enjoy supporting clients experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, trauma, and the stressors that come with everyday life. I enjoy helping young adults navigate the demands of college and early adulthood, as well as helping clients recognize patterns, better understand themselves, and find ways to manage what may be feeling overwhelming. I also value working with a wide range of individuals and helping make conversations around mental health feel more comfortable and less stigmatized.

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Some of my favorite approaches include...

My approach to therapy is person-centered, present-focused, and trauma-informed. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy, depending on what feels most helpful for each client. I also enjoy incorporating executive functioning strategies to support organization, planning, managing responsibilities, and creating routines that feel realistic and sustainable. While understanding the past can be important, I also focus on what is coming up in the present and how it may be impacting you today.

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How I help...

I believe therapy begins with where you are, not where you think you should be. I take time to understand what is coming up for you in the present moment and help you build awareness of the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may be affecting your everyday life. From there, we work together to identify what feels most important to you and find practical ways to navigate stressors, work toward your goals, and create meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you.

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I believe...

...therapy can be a powerful tool for understanding ourselves more deeply. When we feel safe, supported, and connected, we can begin to grow through the things that once felt difficult to overcome.

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What it's like in session with me

Sessions with me are calm, conversational, and focused on getting to know you as a whole person. I believe we all have a story, and your story is important. I take time to learn about your experiences, relationships, and the things that have shaped who you are, while allowing you to move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. There is no expectation to have everything figured out or to rush through the process.