Vanessa maria guerrero, lcmhc

 I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can exhale — not perform. My work is rooted in helping people reconnect with themselves after years of shrinking, surviving, people-pleasing, masking, or carrying the weight of expectations that no longer fit who they are. My work is grounded in a social justice lens, recognizing that mental health does not exist separately from systems, identity, community, and lived experience. I value advocacy both inside and outside of the therapy room and believe healing is not only personal, but also deeply connected to feeling empowered, supported, and seen within the world around us. I am passionate about helping clients navigate the impact of oppression, stigma, marginalization, and societal pressures while honoring their resilience, voice, and individuality. As someone with a background in theatre and performance, I also understand the unique pressures of constantly feeling “on,” as well as the vulnerability that comes with wanting to be truly seen. My creative background informs the way I connect with clients and deepens my appreciation for storytelling, expression, identity, and the many ways people learn to adapt in order to survive. 

As someone with a background in theatre and performance, I also understand the unique pressures of constantly feeling “on,” as well as the vulnerability that comes with wanting to be truly seen. My creative background informs the way I connect with clients and deepens my appreciation for storytelling, expression, and identity.

 My therapeutic approach integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Art Therapy interventions. I value balancing practical coping tools with deeper emotional exploration, helping clients build resilience while also reconnecting with meaning, authenticity, creativity, and self-compassion. I see therapy as a collaborative process where clients are viewed as whole people — not problems to be fixed. I am especially passionate about supporting individuals navigating anxiety, chronic illness, burnout, identity exploration, self-esteem struggles, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, and relationship challenges. I have a strong commitment to working with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients and strive to create a therapeutic space that feels affirming, collaborative, culturally aware, and genuinely safe to show up in fully. 

 Masters in Mental Health Counseling, Lenoir-Rhyne University 

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Minor in Psychology, Florida State University 

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor North Carolina

I currently have telehealth openings for insurance and private pay clients. 

For more information and to book an appointment, click below.