Vanessa C. Morrison

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Berkeley, California

My Mission as Your Therapist

Early events in life can inhibit and oppress your core self, preventing you from living a fulfilling life. I aim to help you heal past painful patterns that hold you back from being the best version of yourself.

I support you in reconnecting with your inner strength, so you feel safe to express your needs and desires and can attain them.

Once you’ve tapped into your inner resources, it’s easier to create a life that is more meaningful and engaging, and where you’re better able to reach your potential.

When you’re at peace, positive relationships come more easily, and you’re better able to take care of yourself. Your self-image improves, enabling you to confidently participate in your communities rather than isolate and feel alone. You feel greater love and compassion.

On Becoming a Therapist

Since I was a child, I felt deep compassion for people’s suffering and a strong desire to help others live their most authentic and bold life. “

I am deeply inspired by my client’s courage to be vulnerable and work through the struggles in their lives. I am honored and grateful that my role as a therapist calls on the best parts of me.

Professional Background

I’ve been employed in the area of mental health since 1999. I have been employed in the area of mental health since 1999. I began my career in music therapy as a counselor, composer, performer and program designer. I worked in hospice programs, hospitals (UCSF, Laguna Honda), schools, assisted living facilities and communities impacted by social injustices.  I have been in private practice since 2013 with a focus on the treatment of trauma, relational stress, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and addiction. Outside of my graduate studies and internships, I have completed several intensive trainings in the areas of somatic therapy (sensorimotor), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, relational, family systems, neurofeedback, intuitive eating and other modalities. I enter EMDR training this fall.

I’ve worked in hospice programs, hospitals, schools, assisted living programs, and communities impacted by social injustices.

I’ve been in private practice since 2013. I’ve completed several intensive trainings on how to treat trauma using methods such as somatic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, relational and other modalities.

Key Qualities as a Therapist

I am supportive and caring. I create a safe place for you to reveal your stresses and pain so you can overcome them.

I will gain your trust and never judge you, even when the “worst” parts of yourself show up in therapy. I’ll help you come to accept these aspects of yourself and heal feelings of shame. You can then create a path to fulfill your true potential.

My strong intuition and creativity, along with my extensive experience, guide me so that I have a keen sense of what may be most helpful to you in each moment.

I’m gentle, but honest when addressing “blind spots” that hinder your healing and growth.

I spent many years exploring the world, particularly areas impacted by poverty, scarcity and oppression. My travels have given me a global and holistic perspective embedded in my work with clients.

Counseling Credentials and Professional Memberships

  • MA in Integral Psychology/Clinical Psychology from California Institute for Integral Studies
  • BA in Liberal Studies, Emphasis in Religious Sociology, University of Montana
  • Dramatic Arts Studies, Undergraduate Lee Strasberg Program, New York University Tisch School of the Arts

  • Membership: California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT)

Specialized Trainings

  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy – Somatic Therapy (80 hours of training)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Neurofeedback
  • Trauma Therapy
  • Eating Disorders
  • Group Therapy
  • Music Therapy
  • EMDR Therapy (complete training December 2021)

Personal Pleasures and Passions

I love to compose music, play the guitar and piano and sing. I also enjoy nature, moving my body to great music, getting dirty in the garden, laughing, connecting with my family, friends and community . I am passionate about human rights and medical access for all.

I’m Deeply Committed To Assisting You In Living Your Best Life.

Feel free to contact me for a no-charge inquiry call.
Together we’ll determine if we are a good fit to work together.

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