vanessa harper, Lmft

Vanessa is a licensed marriage and family therapist, specialized in working with individuals and relationships on a variety of issues including race-related stress, self-esteem and identity development, as well as topics of intimacy and infidelity. She graduated from Northwestern University with a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. As a Black woman therapist, Vanessa understands the importance of approaching this work from a systemic, client-centered and collaborative lens.

A woman with short black hair and medium skin tone sitting on a wooden chair in a cozy, decorated room. She is wearing a yellow striped sweater over a white shirt, with several rings and bracelets. Behind her, there is a large plant, wall art, and household objects.

MY APPROACH

As a systemic thinker, I think therapy is most impactful when the important issues are considered in the unique context of your lived experiences and the systems you exist within. The human experience is complex, and I believe in the importance of tailoring my work and interventions to meet you where you are with a balance of warmth, curiosity and keeping it real.​

I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist specialized in working with relationships and individuals on a variety of issues including intimacy, infidelity and communication, as well as race-related stress, anxiety, self-esteem and identity development. I use a client-centered approach to establish treatment goals, celebrate strengths and build upon growing edges. I will support you in lifting constraints which may be keeping you from achieving your goals.

My approach is certainly not a one-size-fits-all solution, and my goal as a therapist is to play a role in dismantling myopic, colonial ideas of health and healing. Together we can return to diverse ancestral healing through authentic human to human connection, and collaborative, culturally competent care.