Vanessa LaBruzza, LPC

I’ve lived this journey too.

I know what it is to be the strong one - not from a textbook, but from life. I experienced significant loss at a young age, and like so many of the women and teens I now work with, I learned to carry it quietly. I became skilled at appearing capable while privately struggling beneath the surface.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years experience in both the clinical and school settings. I’ve had the privilege of helping many women and teen girls see how these patterns took root early - and supporting them in creating something different.

Together, we work to lessen anxious feelings, create real support, and develop a clearer sense of yourself.

Why Should You Work With Me?

Many of the people I work with have tried therapy before, but still find themselves feeling stuck in the same patterns.

Their past therapy experiences have:

• Recognized their thoughts, gave them coping strategies.

• But the same patterns kept showing up.

My work is different.

We go beyond symptom relief - uncovering the emotional and relational patterns beneath, through my signature Strong One Recovery Model™.

The Strong One Recovery Model™ was designed for those who are used to being the one who keeps everything together—at home, at school, at work or for everyone else—while quietly carrying more than they show.

Over time, this way of coping can lead to:

• Overthinking and mental exhaustion

• Difficulty expressing needs

• Feeling responsible for others

• A sense of pressure that never fully turns off

This model focuses on helping you understand and shift the patterns underneath these experiences—not just managing the symptoms.

The Adult Strong One Recovery Model™ helps women recognize and shift the patterns that come from always being needed - so you can feel less overwhelmed, set boundaries with confidence, and finally experience ease.

The Teen Strong One Recovery Model™ helps teens understand why they feel overwhelmed or pressured to be “perfect,” and learn how to handle those feelings in a healthier, more manageable way. This approach helps teens move out of perfectionism by addressing the underlying pressure and emotional patterns driving it—not just the behaviors on the surface.

What Makes This Different…

This model integrates:

• CBT → to bring awareness to thoughts and behaviors

• Attachment theory → to understand relational patterns

• AEDP → to process emotions at a deeper level

You’re not just managing symptoms—you’re healing the patterns beneath them. That’s where lasting change begins.