• Licensed  Mental Health Counselor 

• Certified in Mindfulness Techniques

• Speech and Communications Expert

• Specializing in Anxiety/Depression

• Millennials and Teens

• LGBT Friendly
 

Meet Vanessa

Vanessa de la Llama

Philosophy
I love therapy, there I said it. I love it. It’s never ending benefits have not only been proven to me through my career and clients, but it has also changed my life personally. We all know how it goes, you don't think you need help, and then one day, life smacks you right in the face. Though while not literally, it’s terrifying to get to that point in your life and realize that you are not able to manage it or overcome it. I get it, life is hard, and unfortunately it does not come with a handy manual, but that’s where I come in to help guide, support, facilitate and teach. 

My name is Vanessa de la Llama and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University, and a Master’s Degree in Communications from Florida International University. I completed my clinical internship at Larkin Community Hospital, working with inpatient, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) patients with severe and recurring mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia and personality disorders. I have extensive clinical training and research in psychotherapy, family therapy, couples therapy and group therapy.

​

Specialties

Adolescents/Young Adults

It’s never too young to start learning and adapting coping skills, techniques and gaining emotional insight. Helping your child learn to understand the complexity of their emotions at a young age has been proven through research that gaining this insight at a young age helps with the reduction of possible disorders in adulthood such as chronic depression and anxiety. The world our children live in today is VASTLY different than what current adults have experienced. Through the plethora of social media applications and everything being online, our children are being exposed at all times, and helping them understand their emotions and good coping skills will give your child the strength and confidence they need to cut through the negative of this world.

Couples

One of my favorite groups to work with is couples. There is a beauty and elegance in being able to see how adults are able to weave and enmesh their lives together. Each person comes with their own baggage, perspective and history. With all that beauty, often comes the ugly and the difficult. And this is where I come in. Being in a long-term relationship is not impossible. And it often starts with identifying what we individually are struggling with. It’s also difficult to build a life with someone when you don’t even speak the same emotional language. The spectrum that is ‘relationship’ is ever changing and evolving, and learning how to manage and adapt with the different moments and stages of life can very often feel overwhelming. But it is not impossible. 

LGTBQ & Trans

My biggest passion is working with the LGTBQ community, specifically the Trans community. I am currently aligned with WPATH, ACA, and local groups such as the Yes! Institute & SunServe. My goal is to help and guide adults and teens who are struggling with identity issues, anxiety and depression, as well as family members whom often feel overwhelmed with mixed emotions of confusion, fear, grief and loss. There is no cookie cutter treatment or path to take. Evaluation and clearance letters for Hormone Replacement Therapy and/or Gender Affirmation Surgery may be provided.

Mindfulness

As a fellow chronic anxiety sufferer, I constantly am looking for the next type of therapy to help with my daily struggles. Let me tell you, there is so many types of therapy; but the constant stand out for me has been practicing mindfulness. As a trainer and practitioner of this type of meditation you will learn the different meditation techniques as well as basic principles of cognition, such as the relationship between the way you think and how you feel. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about your mental condition and how your body and mind work with one another and against one another. Homework usually includes practicing breathing exercises and mindful meditation. Mindfulness has shown tremendous positive outcomes especially for those struggling with chronic depression, anxiety and insomnia.

​

Background

Vanessa de la Llama, MS, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who obtained her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. 

In addition, Vanessa has training in working with adolescent/young adult of LGBTQ/Trans community. She helps them come to a greater understanding of themselves with acceptance and understnading.  Supporting and assisting her clients at whatever level they may be in of self-discovery. She is fluent in both written and oral Spanish & English.

Conferences & Publications

Affirmed: An Inclusive Guide to Medical and Surgical Transition

• Ch. 1 – Mental Health & Transitioning

• ISBN 978-1-7355488-0-7

“At Face(book) Value” research paper accepted, presented and published: 

• 2012 Information Fluency Conference, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

• 7th Annual Global Conference: Cybercultures, Prague, Czech Republic

• SJMC Communications Week 2012 Research Presentation at Florida International University, Miami, FL

• International Journal of Work Innovation (6% acceptance rate)

“Acceptance of New Gender Norms” thesis research paper accepted & presented at:

• SJMC Communications Week 2012 Research Presentation at Florida International University, Miami, FL.