Ways we can work together

SUPPORT FOR THE WHOLE PERSON.

I work with women, individuals, teens, children and families. My approach is eclectic and tailored to you. Every session is collaborative, grounded in curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to your whole-person wellbeing. Sessions are in English or Spanish, in person in The Woodlands or virtual anywhere in Texas.

MORE ABOUT MY APPROACH
Vanessa Pate seated in a mustard armchair
Vanessa’s counseling room with a sofa and armchairs
01 · FOR ADULTS

INDIVIDUAL
THERAPY

People seek therapy for many reasons. In individual therapy, I see the whole person: mind, body, relationships, and overall wellbeing. We explore not just thoughts and emotions, but also physical health, sleep, and other lifestyle factors that affect how you feel and function.

  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Anxiety & depression
  • Low self-esteem
  • Parenting stress
  • Relationship conflict
  • Life transitions
  • Grief
  • Stress management

Together, we view difficulties not as setbacks, but as opportunities for courage, growth, and authentic living, with practical tools you can apply in daily life.

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Vanessa in her playroom
02 · AGES 3–8

PLAY
THERAPY

Play Therapy is a gentle, child-centered approach that helps children explore their feelings, process challenges, and express themselves in a safe and supportive environment. Through play, children work through emotions, build coping skills, and develop healthier ways of communicating.

I am trained in both non-directive play, where the child leads and natural themes emerge, and directive approaches that offer more guidance when needed. Sessions take place in a welcoming playroom with play, sand tray, and music.

I also work closely with parents, offering strategies to strengthen connection and support your child’s growth at home.

QUESTIONS PARENTS ASK BOOK A SESSION
Vanessa smiling and holding a feelings-wheel pillow
03 · ADOLESCENTS

TEEN
SUPPORT

Teens today face many pressures: school, friendships, family expectations, and figuring out who they are. I love meeting teens where they are, helping them explore their identity, manage stress, and start to find themselves.

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • ADHD
  • Stress
  • Self-esteem
  • Relationships

I use a mix of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, somatic techniques, and creative tools, and I work closely with parents to strengthen family connections through these years.

QUESTIONS PARENTS ASK BOOK A SESSION
FOR PARENTS

WHEN YOUR CHILD STARTS THERAPY

Raising children while navigating your own emotions, experiences and responsibilities can be incredibly hard. Parents need support too, so you’re part of the process from the very first call.

GET IN TOUCH
What ages do you work with?

Children from age 3, teens and adults. Play therapy is designed for children ages 3 to 8. With older children and teens, sessions blend talk, creative tools and practical skills like CBT.

What happens at the first appointment?

The first appointment is usually with you, the parent, so I can hear your concerns and your child’s story before we begin.

Will I be in the room during my child’s sessions?

Play sessions are usually just your child and me, so the playroom can feel like their own space. You’re still part of the process: we meet to talk about what I’m seeing and how you can support your child at home.

How will I know how my child is doing?

We check in regularly. I share the bigger picture of your child’s progress and give you strategies to strengthen your connection and support their growth at home.

Is what my teen shares confidential?

Teens open up when therapy feels like their own space, so at the start we agree together, as a family, on what stays private and what gets shared. If safety is ever a concern, you will always be told.

How do I explain therapy to my child?

Keep it simple and positive: a place to play, talk about feelings and learn new ways to handle big emotions, with someone whose job is to help kids. I’m happy to help you find the words.

Can I get support for myself, too?

Yes. Parents need support too. I love working with parents, especially moms, in individual therapy: parenting from the inside out.

04 · ALL AGES

ANXIETY
& STRESS

It doesn’t have to control your life.

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and isolating. In therapy, I take a whole-person approach, addressing both the mind and body. Using somatic techniques and nervous system regulation, we help your body feel safe again while exploring the thoughts and patterns that fuel anxiety.

You will learn practical tools and coping strategies to calm your nervous system, manage worry, and feel more grounded in daily life. Therapy becomes a space to reconnect with yourself, strengthen resilience, and build a sense of safety from the inside out.

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A framed print reading “You are exactly where you need to be”
05 · FOR ADULTS

INNER CHILD
HEALING

Inner child work gently explores the early emotional experiences and unmet needs from childhood that may still influence how we think, feel, and relate to others today. Together, we acknowledge past hurts, offer compassion to the younger parts of ourselves, and begin to reframe old narratives.

  • Identifying core emotional wounds from childhood
  • Understanding patterns that began in early experiences
  • Reconnecting with the playful, creative, authentic self
  • Developing self-compassion and emotional regulation

We’ll work at a pace that feels safe and supportive, exploring your inner world with curiosity and care.

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06 · CHILDREN, TEENS & ADULTS

ADHD

ADHD is not a flaw. It’s a different way of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world.

FOR CHILDREN

Self-esteem, emotional regulation and impulse control, plus practical tools for caregivers to help children thrive at home and school.

FOR ADULTS

Managing overwhelm, creating routines that fit your life, reducing shame, and recognizing the creativity, energy and problem-solving strengths that come with ADHD.

ACROSS ALL AGES

Nervous system regulation, somatic tools and practical strategies designed to work with the ADHD brain, not against it.

Vanessa Pate smiling in her counseling office
07 · PARENTS, MOMS & COUPLES

PARENTS
& COUPLES

Parenting from the inside out.

I love working with parents, especially moms. A lot of that work involves understanding and healing some of your own childhood experiences. When parents understand their own triggers and become more regulated, they are often better able to show up calmly and intentionally for their children.

Couples counseling supports communication, relationship challenges, and reconnecting at home.

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08 · ENGLISH & ESPAÑOL

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMMIGRATION EVALUATIONS

This work is especially close to my heart because I immigrated to the United States from Mexico as a child. I combine my professional training, bilingual background, and personal connection to the immigrant experience.

ALSO OFFERED BRAINSPOTTING For anyone who feels “stuck” on a concern, or who “just can’t get over it.” Where you look affects how you feel. HOW IT WORKS
Not sure where to start?

LET’S FIGURE IT OUT TOGETHER.

You don’t need to know which kind of support is right before you reach out. Send a short note or call, and we’ll find the best fit together, in English or Spanish.

CALL BOOK A SESSION