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I am a licensed creative arts therapist offering both art therapy and traditional talk therapy. I work with adults navigating a range of experiences—from everyday life stressors to deeper emotional challenges and trauma. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to each individual’s needs, integrating creative expression with verbal processing to help clients gain insight, build resilience, and foster meaningful change.
As a clinical social worker and a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, I bring experience in the areas of addiction, co-occurring disorders, and general mental health. My areas of expertise include working with adult individuals on issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and family issues, and adverse childhood experiences.
Have been working with clients for many years while continuing to train, learn and improve my craft Particularly interested in what prevents people from achieving their goals - what inhibits them. Have years of corporate work experience as well
It can feel daunting to begin therapy. You may know you are struggling with your relationships, work, or personal fulfillment yet it can feel difficult to seek help. In my practice, I will work with you in a safe space to explore and address the difficulties the prevent you from living a fulfilling life. I utilize eclectic approaches including psychodynamic, relational, existential, and attachment-based theories.
I integrate specialized approaches in my work with folks who identify as Muslim, Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian. I provide a non-judgmental and safe space for LGBTQ, kink, and poly persons of color in my practice. I have personal and professional experience with acculturation and specialize in providing cross-cultural therapy for biracial/bi-cultural issues.
I work with adults struggling with anxiety, sexual disorders, chronic medical conditions, bereavement, trauma, and relationships.
Vanessa L. Chonou, LMHC, CASAC-T is a Mental Health Counselor with over six years of experience working in Human Services. She earned her BA in Psychology from the State University of New York and completed her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the College of Saint Rose in 2024.
Treatment Areas: Anxiety, trauma, depression, life transitions, substance use and recovery, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and stress-related concerns.
Populations Served: Adults and young adults (18+), individuals from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds, first-generation and underserved communities, and clients navigating identity and systemic stressors.
In today’s fast-paced and stress-filled world, it is a privilege to work with individuals who are ready to take meaningful steps toward improving their mental health. Whether you have a clear vision of the changes you’d like to make or need guidance in setting those goals, we can collaborate to create a plan tailored to your needs. Together, we’ll start by exploring the most significant aspects of your life, including your personal history and key relationships, to build a comprehensive understanding of who you are. Recognizing that every individual is unique, I strive to provide treatment that is fully personalized.
I offer a warm, understanding, and compassionate environment when working with patients. I have sixteen years experience in evidence-based therapy and deep expertise in providing counseling in the areas of trauma and wellness. I am certified in DBT and am seasoned in utilizing motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and holistic wellness in my work with patients. I am committed to helping patients find their strengths and utilize these strengths to live their best lives.
I have a masters in education and social work. I was a New York City public school teacher prior to becoming a social worker. My heart and soul drive my practice and I love what I do!


Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.