Vanessa Bonatto LCSW

To provide the safe space needed for adolescents in therapy it is important to note that my protocol is to refrain from sharing therapy session discussions with parents. I can provide parents with treatment updates, progress made, and skills taught. I will include parents if there is a safety risk (suicidal/homicidal ideation, intent, plan) or report suspected abuse (physical, emotional, sexual). This can be frustrating for parents as they want to know, so they can help. Parents can be helpful by allowing this safe space for their teen. If it is helpful to know, I often encourage my adolescents to be more open with parents and can provide them with the language to present that information in the most effective way to be heard and understood. I encourage both parents and teens to read and understand my approach and how I may be of help. If you feel I can help please take the next step to schedule an intake appointment.

I have been practicing since 2009 as a child and adolescent therapist. I have had the opportunity to work in both Pennsylvania and California in a variety of settings including residential, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, school-based and outpatient clinic. I have worked with youth who have experienced depression, anxiety, trauma, self-injurious (self-harm) behaviors and suicidal thoughts and actions. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I find that each adolescent requires thoughtfulness in determining the approaches and skills used based on their needs and experiences.

• California, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CW022550