- Focus on thoughts
- Mindful coping skills
- Warm direct style
About Vanessa
Dr. Vanessa Prestridge Graf helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strains, parenting struggles, low self-esteem, depression, and related concerns. She draws on many years working with people on issues such as grief, trauma and abuse, addictions, intimacy problems, eating and sleeping difficulties, and mood concerns like bipolar disorder. Her manner is direct and warm, and she combines practical tools with a sense of humor.
She uses cognitive approaches to notice and change the unhelpful thoughts that keep people stuck. That often means identifying automatic negative thoughts and practicing new ways of thinking. She also encourages mindfulness practices that help reduce worry and focus on what is working in the present.
Dr. Prestridge Graf emphasizes how early life beliefs shape current reactions. She describes many unhelpful beliefs as originating in childhood and then being repeated without question. Therapy involves gently testing those beliefs and trying alternative, more supportive ideas.
The work is collaborative and action-oriented. Sessions include talking through patterns, practicing skills, and setting small, concrete steps to try between meetings. She frames therapy as a process of recreating the self in a more loving and accepting way.
Dr. Prestridge Graf holds the LMFT credential, licensed in California and Colorado, and brings 29 years of experience to her practice. She offers therapy in English and accepts international clients when arrangements allow.
She uses cognitive approaches to notice and change the unhelpful thoughts that keep people stuck. That often means identifying automatic negative thoughts and practicing new ways of thinking. She also encourages mindfulness practices that help reduce worry and focus on what is working in the present.
Dr. Prestridge Graf emphasizes how early life beliefs shape current reactions. She describes many unhelpful beliefs as originating in childhood and then being repeated without question. Therapy involves gently testing those beliefs and trying alternative, more supportive ideas.
The work is collaborative and action-oriented. Sessions include talking through patterns, practicing skills, and setting small, concrete steps to try between meetings. She frames therapy as a process of recreating the self in a more loving and accepting way.
Dr. Prestridge Graf holds the LMFT credential, licensed in California and Colorado, and brings 29 years of experience to her practice. She offers therapy in English and accepts international clients when arrangements allow.
This summary is based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp.