Greetings!
I’m Vanessa Gallagher (she/her) a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, and holding a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)- Interim Telehealth Registration in Vermont as well as a being a certified EMDR therapist, working with both individuals, parents, couples and businesses. I have a broad base of experience working with children, families, couples and individuals in a variety of settings since beginning my career in human services 30+ years ago. I also have experience working with law enforcement and first responders.
I grew up in Austin long before the city became famous for breakfast tacos, live music and outdoor festivals. After finishing my Master’s degree in Human Services at St. Edward’s University (go Hilltoppers!) I spent time living in the Texas Hill Country before moving with my husband and kiddo to California and then back to Austin. When I am not doing my work thing in my home-away-from-home office, you can find me adding to my collection of books, scheming on where to find the best iced coffee or just hanging out with my family which includes the best dog in the whole world and two above-average cats.
If we work together I am going to come to know quite a bit about you, I think it only fair you know a little about me; I know it can be intimidating to be on the “other side of the couch.” My goal is to be approachable and real at all times. Being human is hard, approaching a relationship with a therapist can take courage and I want to make both as easy as possible.
Doing this work naturally puts me in a position of power and I recognize this can lead to harm if misused or unacknowledged. In addition to my positional privilege I also carry social privilege: I am a cisgender, straight, married, white, neurotypical, educated, financially secure female. I recognize my privilege can be a blinder for me and it is incumbent on me to do the labor to make space for others’ experience and existence. I am parenting an Autistic, ADHD child and am married to a neurodivergent spouse so bring that lived experience to my work with parents and partners.
Approach
In a nutshell, I am a relationship therapist in the broadest sense; I help folks build healthy relationships with their self and others. I approach my work through an integrated framework drawing from EMDR, interpersonal neurobiology, somatic approaches, IFS, polyvagal theory, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, Gottman, trans and neurodivergent affirming models.
I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and continue to humbly learn how to move within this community as a guest. I work with gay, lesbian, bi, queer, ace, aro, trans, nonbinary and other folx in the community, including those who aren’t sure if they are part of the community or not. I practice through a neurotype-informed, Social and Rights model and actively seek to learn and understand more about the experience of Autistic folks, ADHDers and others in the ND community.
I really like this quote by Pema Chödrön and think is nicely sums up my idea about the therapeutic relationship:
Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity - Pema Chödrön
Focus
Psychotherapy & Parent Coaching
Through my psychotherapy practice much of my work focuses on helping people regain a sense of connection and balance in their lives. Our sense of self and relationships can be challenged by trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, infidelity, health problems, grief or the natural growth and development of life. As a professional I’ve been working with kids and families for more than 25 years. I am also a parent taking the good with the difficult times. I love working with parents to help normalize the craziness of raising kids. I provide a personalized approach to help you regain your equilibrium and grow in your relationships.
Organizational Consulting
Businesses and organizations are an extension and reflection of the people who work within their walls. Wise organizations recognize this and seek to support the whole person and thus the whole company. Gallagher Counseling provides behavioral health & wellness services, crisis intervention, leadership training and support.