Vanessa Ford, LCSW CADC

Specialties

Vanessa E. Ford LCSW, CADC specializes in communication issues, conflict resolution, recovery support, Moderation Management for drinking, EMDR, coping with a traumatic or abusive past, grieving past losses, anxiety problems (social anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, PTSD), low self-​esteem, the LGBT community, and substance use. Her services can help with depression, anxiety and other emotional health issues, as well as improving communication and relationships, curbing compulsive behaviors, and improving goal-​setting.

My personal goal as a therapist is to create a non-​judgmental and supportive environment where my clients can begin to develop a sense of insight and control over their lives. Counseling services are provided in 50-​minute therapy sessions, usually provided once-​weekly in my private office which is located on the North side. I offer both individual and couples /​martial or family psychotherapy.

Our goal together will be to create an internal sense of empowerment so that you feel in control of your past and present, and that you are on a path towards the future you would like to build for yourself.

History

Established in 2007.

Prior to starting her private practice, Ms. Ford worked in non-​profit environments that serve the mental health needs of the community. Her dedication to helping clients heal has included managing the substance abuse department at the Midwest’s largest LGBT organization, where she designed and implemented an intensive outpatient program specifically targeting crystal meth addiction. Her background also includes working with clients who are infected /​impacted by HIV; chemical and behavioral addiction; child and adolescent Wards of the State; clients suffering from a variety of mental health symptoms; and work with victims of trauma (such as rape, molestation, domestic violence, stalking, childhood physical abuse or neglect, or growing up in an alcoholic home). She has lectured to the community on topics such as addiction, sexual compulsion, managing anxiety, lesbian/​gay issues, and coping with childhood abuse and trauma, and has also been interviewed and published on these topics.

Meet the Business Owner

Vanessa F.

Business Owner

Vanessa obtained her Masters of Social Work with a concentration in children and families from Loyola University Chicago’s School of Social Work in 2000. This accredited program is well-​known in the field for meeting the highest standards of clinical training. She also completed additional fieldwork in an intensive outpatient chemical dependency program as a part of her addictions credential. Ms. Ford obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from the prestigious University of Chicago, with the distinction of General Honors upon graduation.

Vanessa is fully trained in EMDR therapy, as well as holding a certification in domestic violence counseling. She completed an Advanced Psychodynamic fellowship program in 2012 at the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration to further advance her clinical skills.