Meet Vanessa
A Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), the therapist and founder behind Daylily Therapy. I offer virtual therapy for adults across Texas. My therapy approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in compassion and authenticity. I want my clients to feel safe, validated, and understood — to find relief, hope and confidence as they work through life’s challenges.
I’ve been in the mental health field for over a decade, supporting individuals through life’s most difficult moments. My work focuses on helping adults navigate chronic illness, life transitions, and grief, as well as related experiences like anxiety, depression, and self-esteem struggles. My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself, find your footing again, and move toward a life that feels meaningful and peaceful.
My work is guided by compassion, curiosity, and authenticity. I believe healing happens when we feel safe enough to explore both the pain and the possibility within us. Therapy with me is conversational, honest, and often includes laughter — because healing doesn’t always have to feel heavy. We’ll move at your pace, focusing on what matters most to you, and gently uncovering your strengths along the way. I want my clients to walk away feeling validated, hopeful, and confident in their ability to face whatever life brings.
The Story Behind Daylily Therapy
The name Daylily Therapy came to me one summer evening while driving home — the sunset painted the clouds various shades of pink, and I found myself singing “Daylily” by Movements, a song that’s always felt like an anthem for resilience and hope. Daylilies are known for blooming brightly, even for just one day, and returning again and again — a beautiful reminder that healing isn’t about perfection, but renewal, strength, and growth. That sense of blooming again after hardship is at the heart of my work with my clients.
Why I Do This Work
I’ve always had a desire to help people through difficult times. Over the years, I’ve also navigated my own chronic illness, cared for sick parents, and experienced significant life transitions and loss. These experiences shaped the way I show up in therapy — with empathy, patience, and a real understanding of how messy life can be.
Why Clients Work With Me
My clients often describe me as warm, easy to talk to, and grounded. My goal is to meet you where you are, help you uncover your strengths, and create space for laughter, honesty, and hope along the way.
I balance compassion with gentle honesty — helping you explore your experiences while encouraging growth at your own pace.
Outside of Therapy
When I’m not in session, you’ll probably find me listening to music (emo, pop-punk, or Taylor Swift), reading, traveling, at concerts, or spending time with the people I love. I also value rest and self-care — something I encourage in and outside of therapy.
My Guiding Values
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Authenticity
Healing happens when we can show up as our full selves. I bring honesty and realness into therapy, creating space for you to be seen and supported — without pressure to be anyone else.
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Compassion
You deserve kindness, understanding, and patience — especially on the hard days. I approach each session with empathy and care, meeting you exactly where you are in your journey.
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Inclusion
Everyone deserves a space where they feel safe and respected. I welcome individuals of all identities, backgrounds, and life experiences, and I strive to make therapy a truly affirming space.
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Resilience
Growth doesn’t mean never struggling — it means finding strength in the process. Just as a daylily's beauty is renewed each day, I believe in your ability to heal, rebuild, and begin again.
If you feel like we might be a good fit, I’d love to talk with you. Let’s schedule a consultation.
“Therapy is a place to bloom, even if today all you can do is plant the seed.”
— Daylily Therapy Original Quote
“You don’t have to see the whole path — just the next step in front of you.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Education and Professional Experience
I began my journey in 2014 and have since worked in a variety of settings, including crisis services, partial hospitalization (PHP), and community mental health. Over the years, I’ve supported individuals navigating depression, anxiety, chronic illness, grief, suicidal ideation, self-harm, psychosis, major life transitions, and much more.
My work has included crisis intervention, safety planning, clinical assessment, and ongoing therapy focused on building self-compassion and resilience. These experiences have shaped my belief that growth happens when we feel seen, supported, and empowered to take life one step at a time.
I received my Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University in 2014 and my Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from University of Kentucky in 2011. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in Texas, I am passionate about mentoring other clinicians as they develop their skills and confidence.
My therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative, and person-centered, grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and a strengths-based perspective. Together, we’ll explore the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to better understand what’s keeping you stuck. By recognizing and building on your existing strengths, we create a foundation for lasting change and self-trust. Mindfulness practices help bring awareness and calm to difficult moments, creating space for healing and growth. I believe therapy is most effective when it feels authentic, nonjudgmental, and tailored to your unique pace and needs.