Last edited 02/16/2026
Identifies As
She / Her / HersWoman, CisgenderLatinxBisexualSpiritualLGBTQIA+Living with Anxiety, Living with a chronic disease
Get To Know Me
What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?
I view trust, authenticity, and client autonomy as the key components of the therapeutic relationship. In order for clients to meet their goals, a level of trust and safety must be established and maintained throughout every session. This can look like having honest discussions about what is working versus what is not working for the client, navigating feelings of confusion, distrust, and uncertainty as they come up, and providing reassurance and education when needed. Authenticity to me means that me and my clients can show up as our authentic selves to the space and our whole selves are deserving of respect and care. Finally, I truly believe that clients are the experts of their own lives. I believe that allowing clients to practice advocating for themselves in the therapeutic space will allow them to transfer those skills to their personal lives much more effectively.
What does a first session with you look like?
The first session with me looks like me getting to know you and you getting comfortable with the space. I go over confidentiality, clarify any questions, and start with a check in. If my client is comfortable with this, I like to do a family genogram to build understanding of the dynamics and support systems clients have within their biological family and chosen family. This allows for me to listen and observe for relationship dynamics or experience that could be affecting the way a client navigates their current situation. I also give space for clients to express their goals more in depth.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
I determine therapy goals with clients in different ways but always collaboratively. Some clients come in already understanding what their goals are and I make sure I understand them. Other times, clients are not sure what their goals are so I like to do a values based exercise. This exercise helps me and the client center their values as we work to uncover their goals. I like to check in periodically with clients on their progress towards their goals and make space for them to revise their goals and revisit their values to see if there’s been a change.
Location
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Specialties
Specializes in
DepressionAnxietyAttachment issuesLGBTQIA related issuesBurnout
General Expertise
Work StressRelationship IssuesLoss/GriefSelf-EsteemRace & Cultural IdentitySocial AnxietyAdolescent mental healthChild mental healthChronic illnessGender identity & transgender healthTraumaHighly Sensitive PersonNeurodiversity
Treatment Approaches
Strength Based TherapyMindfulness PracticesCulturally Sensitive TherapyPerson-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingNeurodiversity-AffirmingRelational Therapy
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Individual Therapy
Serves Ages
Young Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)Seniors (65+)Children (5-12)Adolescents (13-17)
Languages
EnglishSpanish
Insurance & Fees
Insurances Accepted
Aetna
Cash Pay Rates/Out-of-Pocket
| First Session: | $115 |
| Individual Therapy: | $115 |
Professional Background
Licensure
Under Supervision: Vanessa Guadalupe Fernandez, Licensed Master Social Worker, 114314 is practicing under the supervision of Kaimi Mattila (Texas, LCSW-S, 69059) at Con Safos Counseling LLC.
Please, note: A clinician listed as being “clinically supervised” is completing clinical hours toward their licensure. They have one or more fully licensed clinical supervisors that often have special training. They consult with their supervisor(s) on all of their cases.
Training/Certifications"Healing Genogram" Workshop
Education
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Master of Social Work, Latino Families, 2024
Work History My path began with teaching in 2019. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, the limited counseling resources for my middle school students—who shared a single counselor with the entire middle and high school—became evident. Inspired by my students' suggestions, I created a mental health club to provide a space for connection and de-stressing outside the virtual classroom. This experience, while helping them process their challenges, solidified my desire to become a dedicated resource in the mental health space.
During my time in Graduate School, I worked in the nonprofit sector in Austin as a career counselor for trade school and a social worker for families with sickle cell disease. I also had the pleasure of being an intern for Communities in Schools at Perez Elementary and Con Safos Counseling where I decided to stay.
I graduated with a Master's of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a concentration in direct practice with Latino families. I am excited to continue working with communities across Texas through Con Safos Counseling as this practice has shown me what it means to center our clients in our care. My focus lies in fostering community healing and empowerment, with a vision to create safe spaces where clients can heal from past traumas and feel empowered to advocate for themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Vanessa Guadalupe Fernandez, LMSW, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Vanessa Fernandez accepting new clients?
Yes, Vanessa Fernandez is accepting new clients for in-person appointments at 8500 N Mopac Expy , Suite 825, Austin, TX, 78759.
Does Vanessa Fernandez accept insurance?
Yes, Vanessa Fernandez accepts insurance, including Aetna.
What types of therapy does Vanessa Fernandez offer?
Vanessa Fernandez offers therapy for individuals.
Does Vanessa Fernandez offer in-person appointments?
Yes, Vanessa Fernandez offers in-person appointments at 8500 N Mopac Expy , Suite 825, Austin, TX, 78759.
Does Vanessa Fernandez offer online therapy?
No, but people can book in-person appointments with Vanessa Fernandez at 8500 N Mopac Expy , Suite 825, Austin, TX, 78759.
How quickly can I see Vanessa Fernandez?
Vanessa Fernandez typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Vanessa Fernandez speak?
Vanessa Fernandez conducts therapy sessions in English and Spanish.
Can I book an appointment with Vanessa Fernandez online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Vanessa Fernandez online using ChoosingTherapy.com’s directory.