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Vanessa Stafford, LMSW

Experienced Michigan clinician for relationships and trauma
  • Relationship and family
  • Trauma informed care
  • 40 years experience

About Vanessa Stafford

Vanessa Stafford, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker), brings four decades of professional experience to her clinical work in Michigan. She focuses on helping individuals and couples untangle patterns that interfere with connection and well-being, guiding people to recognize behaviors they may not have noticed and to adopt practical tools that support healthier relationships and greater balance in daily life.

Her practice emphasizes relational healing and recovery from trauma and abuse, with extensive experience addressing family conflict, boundary-setting, batterer intervention, and the complex ways past wounds can influence present interactions. She also works with concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, parenting challenges, intimacy issues, sleep problems, ADHD, and mood disorders including bipolar and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.

Vanessa draws on a range of clinical approaches to tailor treatment to each person or couple. Her methods include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

She operates from the belief that each person is the expert on their own story and that strengths within that story can be mobilized to navigate life changes and heal relationships. Vanessa works in a structured, goal-oriented manner with clients who are ready to engage in meaningful work toward improving their connections and overall quality of life.

Areas of Expertise

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessMidlife crisisMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Vanessa Stafford have?

Vanessa Stafford has 40 years of professional experience.

Is Vanessa Stafford a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LMSW credential, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker. License details are MI LMSW 6801019488.

In which languages does Vanessa Stafford provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English.

Where is Vanessa Stafford located?

Vanessa Stafford is located in Michigan.

How can I work with Vanessa Stafford as my therapist?

You can work with Vanessa Stafford through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Vanessa Stafford work with international clients?

No. Vanessa Stafford does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Vanessa Stafford cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Could remote therapy be a good fit?

Many people weigh whether meeting with a therapist remotely will truly help. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and major life transitions, evidence supports that online therapy can be as effective as traditional in-person sessions for many individuals.

One major advantage is flexibility - people can choose the format that fits their life and comfort level, including video sessions, phone appointments, live chat, or text-based messaging. This flexibility can make it easier to maintain consistency and integrate therapy into a busy schedule.

Licensed professionals are available through these remote formats, and clients may switch therapists if they seek a different fit. For those considering therapy, remote options offer an accessible way to connect with trained therapists while balancing the demands of daily life.

Ready to start therapy with Vanessa Stafford?

Take the first step toward a better you.