I just recovered from a major illness and felt like a shell of my former self, both emotionally and physically. Plus at the same time, I was in the process of having in-laws move into my own house for the foreseeable future. Like...Yikes to the max. Either alone would be enough of a challenge for the vast majority of the populace; but having BOTH at the same time was SUPER stressful. So I set out to get help. I needed the support. I was recovering, and angry about what was going on in my life (re: in-laws, getting so sick). I felt fragile and kinda ready to implode without some good therapy tools to help get me through it. Honestly, it felt like a long-shot that I could even see Vanessa at first (it didn't seem like she had the availability in her schedule~ always a good sign if you know what I mean). But I was really surprised when she contacted me and told me she could possibly make room to see me. I'm still seeing her. Have been since March of this year. Along the way, other issues and problems I was completely oblivious too had have bubbled up to the surface besides the original ones I went to see her for. Her memory is scary good. Names, circumstances, what was talked about previously. That alone should be enough to convince anyone she's worth a shot. Because she REALLY listens. I can talk freely and openly and feel really safe that what I'm saying won't be judged, ridiculed, or prejudiced against. And most importantly she remembers so so good. But to me it's her empathy that's her real superpower. She has that empathy gaze when you're talking to her that makes you feel uncomfortable; but in a way that you know you're TRULY being understood and that she's making a real strong effort to connect with you. Living and seeing things from your perspective. I can't tell you how many times I've been sitting in her therapist chair and felt like she nailed exactly how I was feeling. It feels so good to be understood; and it never crosses into pity or sympathy, but a really healthy and warm understanding. It's kind of hard to describe, but it just feels very healing. It's also obvious that she's super smart. It shows because she has A LOT of good therapist tools to help you with so many problems. My specific issues have required A LOT of practice to implement outside of therapy, and she provides not only the tools to help me get better, but a really good person to get feedback and refine and get better at becoming a better person. Overall I just can't say enough good things about her. She's got a great thing going. I feel really supported, challenged, and have experienced so much personal growth with her that I genuinely feel like a better person than I was six months ago. read more

I went to Vanessa for about 18 months after some significant upheavals in my life, including the death of a parent and birth of a child. Right away, she was able to see I was struggling with some depression, which I hadn't realized because in my case it was coming out as frustration and irritation with everyday annoyances. That was a big step, because then I could start treating my depression and begin to address some other problems involving parenting, drinking/overeating to relieve stress, my uneasy relationship with my spouse etc. When I first read Vanessa's info online, it seemed she was an expert in dealing with genuine trauma -- people who had been abused or raped, soldiers returning from war, that kind of thing. I thought maybe my run-of-the-mill family issues wouldn't be a good fit, but over the next year I found Vanessa to be a calm and steady presence during a time of troubles. She was thoughtful and non-judgmental, and I grew to trust her insight and advice. She could see things I couldn't, like how I was often very up and down over certain people, and that helped me learn not to give my emotional swings such credence. As we worked together, life continued to throw curveballs -- including the death of my other parent and the sudden mental breakdown of a sibling. Vanessa was there for me when I called her from out of state during these crises, and she helped me focus on the positive and my future when I got back to Chicago and tried to move ahead. The last couple years have been filled with loss, change, and also new possibilities. In the space of just a few years I had two babies and lost both my parents. I'm still trying to cope with all the changes, let alone being the mom of two toddlers, but I basically feel stable, sane, and above all hopeful, and I credit Vanessa with keeping me on a safe path as I went along. She is a great therapist, not just for people living with trauma but for everyone coping with life's ordinary (and sometimes extraordinary) twists. read more

I met Vanessa just once, and found her to be unprofessional and somewhat pompous. When I arrived for my appointment, having hired a babysitter, and eager to discuss a serious problem I was having, I was surprised to find two dogs rubbing themselves all over my shoes in her small office as I sat on the couch. She never mentioned that her pets would be involved in our session (nor was there a warning on her website). It should also be noted that her office was very stinky (smelled like a cross between dogs, urine and incense). Obviously, this can be a problem for anyone with allergies. By no means am I a neat freak, nor am I super picky (if you read my other yelp reviews, they are positive) but this was really disgusting, and made me feel like I was not dealing with a professional. I explained that people in my household have allergies, yet she seemed oblivious as her dogs continued to rub on me. I finally told her that her dogs were really bothering me, and she said that her dogs are ALWAYS in her office during session. I suggested that in the future, she notify clients, to which she cocked her head to the side, smirked and said something like, "no one else has a problem with it." She said she would "consider" warning people in the future via her website. So nice of her to "consider" this, since it was clear that I had wasted my time, wasted my money hiring a sitter, and worst of all, was not able to get the help I was seeking from a so-called professional. If you're looking for a cold-mannered therapist with a smelly office and dogs rubbing on you while you discuss your problems, this is surely the place for you. I should also note that since she did not warn me of her dogs, and since I only stayed in her office for a few minutes, she said she would not charge me for the session. read more

My sessions with Vanessa have been life changing. I've struggled with depression and anxiety for over 10 years and this is the first time I have really stuck with a treatment plan. I used to see a new therapist and then leave after a few weeks because I never felt like I could truly open up to them. From the very first session back in February, Vanessa has been really easy to talk to and has never judged me. She doesn't just talk at me, we have actual conversations about what I'm struggling with and she provides me with a new perspective. For the first time in my life I feel like someone is actually hearing what I have to say and not minimizing my problems. In the 9 months I have been working with her, I have completely changed my most negative thought patterns and have a new outlook on life. I finally believe in myself and I realize that I need to make some major changes in my life instead of living in the past. With Vanessa I have done mostly talk therapy with I find very helpful. I did do one session of EMDR with her because of a traumatic experience I had about a month ago, and I don't know how exactly it works, but it did! I was able to go through the experience again and look at it from a logical standpoint. Going back over the situation step by step helped me see that I did the best I could at the time and that is all you can really do. I was able to accept the situation and move on from it with no negative feelings. I am still working with Vanessa and plan on doing so for awhile, as there are many layers of myself I still need to explore and heal. Thank you Vanessa for your outstanding work! read more

Vanessa is a fantastic therapist! I found her through the BCBS website - I wanted to find someone who was certified to provide EMDR therapy, who worked with LGBTQIA+ populations, and who was willing to dive into some of the tougher trauma work with me. I knew she was a great fit after our first session - she really took the time to get to know me and what I wanted to get out of therapy. Vanessa always makes me feel heard and understood, and she offers truly valuable insights that have helped me better understand myself. I am particularly amazed by the EMDR therapy process. We explored some early childhood trauma during our first EMDR session. When we first started, I was really anxious to think back to that time in my life and started to feel the beginning stages of a panic attack. By the end of that first session, I had no negative reaction to those memories whatsoever! In fact, I could look at that time in my life with a sense of compassion and empathy in a way I've never been able to before! It was a truly groundbreaking experience that has honestly changed my life, and I am still enjoying and benefitting from EMDR therapy with Vanessa now. She has also been extremely flexible with my chronic health issues and has been willing to meet me both in person and virtually depending on my needs. I would highly recommend Vanessa! read more

Being able to work with Vanessa was a truly positive and profound experience for me, one for which I will always feel fortunate to have encountered. I consistently found her to be fully engaged, sharp, insightful and kind in our sessions. Vanessa doesn't give away solutions or answers, but expertly guides one to bring significant issues to the surface and examine them from different angles through thought-provoking discussion. For me, it was nearly always the case that in such discussions, Vanessa helped me to reach into something to work on independently after our sessions and that happened to suit me quite well. And yet, no matter how little or much I needed to say in any given session, it seemed to me that Vanessa was always prepared and engaged in creating a safe and productive environment to examine any thought or emotion. Vanessa was also always prompt, patient and considerate when it came to any questions or conflicts arising from the business end such as scheduling. I would happily and highly recommend her to anyone genuinely wanting to put the work in to grow personally, and resolve inner conflicts stemming from past or current hurt or grief. read more

I've been working with Vanessa a little over a year now, and couldn't be happier. This was my first time doing therapy, and am so pleasantly surprised at how patient, and understanding she is. Vanessa has an insightful ability to both listen, and provide feedback in many types of situations. She has helped me to position, or look at things in a different way, and has truly guided me to find solutions, or resolve problems, in an range of different situations - - whether it be myself, friends, family, work, or a significant other. She is honest, but not judgmental. There have been times I go into her office and spend the entire session venting / getting things off my chest ... there have been times I go into her office and had a productive dialogue ... and, there have been times I go into her office and think, 'I have nothing to talk about." Regardless of the situation, I always leave feeling more self-aware and restored. Vanessa makes it easy to feel comfortable in whatever you are discussing. She is also very flexible when it comes to insurance and scheduling. I feel like I've gotten extremely lucky finding Vanessa, and couldn't imagine working with anyone else! read more

I have been in and out of therapy throughout my life for various life events. My experience with Vanessa is different (in a good way) from my past experiences with therapists. I have been seeing her regularly with my partner for around a year and a half now and I think our relationship has greatly improved. She creates a safe environment in which we feel comfortable to discuss what we have had on our minds. She listens to what we have to say and responds without bias. Vanessa's strongest feature is her intuition. She can figure out a situation with the littlest detail provided. In addition to the therapeutic environment she creates, her office feels like a relaxing yoga studio. It doesn't have a harsh business-like feeling and she doesn't sit behind a large desk during the sessions. She is knowledgeable when it comes to insurance plans and I have had several questions about my insurance coverage. Vanessa has taken the time to explain the seemingly impossible details to me. She is also really great with scheduling and is flexible. I definitely recommend her. read more

Therapy is a life saver. If you're struggling with anything, or just need a kind ear to listen to your overactive thoughts, it's such a healthy decision to reach out to a professional. Vanessa Ford is a literal beam of light in a world that often feels very dark. For me personally, I sought her out for the most cliche thing possible; help recovering from broken heart. But our work together, however specific in the beginning, didn't end when my confidence returned to me. She's helped me to open up about my past, traumas, and insecurities. She's seen me hit rock bottom. She's seen me through job losses and life changes and has helped me manage stress in a way that keeps my self-pitying at bay. While she is mysteriously gifted with an astounding memory, she is also insightful in ways that challenge me to break down my own walls of habits and thinking. I'm not sure what you're going through, but if you're wanting a kind-hearted, honest, and intelligent professional to help you overcome any obstacle, Vanessa is a match for you, I promise. Good luck! read more

I am a highly successful 35 year old living in downtown Chicago. Drinking with friends and clients was a routine for me until I had a few bad episodes on the home front with my family. I realized I can't go out and have a few. This caused bad problems with my wife and honestly made me wonder if I had other issues. Vanessa is truly one of the best professionals on earth. I never ever ever thought I would be sitting in front of a therapist in my entire life (I lead a fairly charmed life). However, she made me realize that my excessive drinking stemmed from childhood and other issues I have in my regular life. I actually told her things I've never mentioned once to anyone else. She also is actually very funny and makes me think for a week after I see her. I don't care if you have hit rock bottom or like me never thought you would see a therapist, but I now call her my mental trainer. She is pure, honest, professional, and most of all someone that is honestly changing my life in more than I ever expected. read more

I came to Vanessa in crisis mode, after finding out my husband was an addict. I was struggling with my own anxiety and trust issues after the rough year we had; and I wanted to be the best version of my self. We spent most of our time doing talk therapy. Vanessa is extremely professional, which is something that is very important to me. I appreciated the safe place and loved that she didn't judge. She taught me how to acknowledge when my thinking was distorted, and gave me techniques to help in the moments I was anxious. She helped me regain my self-confidence and really helped to save my marriage, by helping me to learn to trust myself and my instinct. I had to cut our relationship much shorter than I had hoped, because we moved to the suburbs. It will be tough to find another therapist that I trust so much, and that I connect to on that level. Do not hesitate to reach out if you feel desperate or are looking for a professional space to work on yourself. This is an amazing place! read more

I am a current patient of Vanessa E. Ford and I have found that working with Vanessa over the last couple of years has really been a positive influence in my life. I feel that what differentiates her from past therapists I have had is her straightforwardness, knowledge and professionalism. She rarely forgets issues we have addressed in past sessions and I believe this to be the result of, not only, thorough notes but also her review of those notes before our session. This is very important to me. I have also been impressed with her ability to "give it to me straight" with regards to problems I come to her with. Sometimes the best advice is not always what I want to hear but in the end it is what helps me the most. I also find her to be very good at determining and executing different types of therapy (EMDR, knowledge of 12 step programs). Overall, I feel working with Vanessa has made a significant improvement in my life and it will yours too. read more

I've been seeing Vanessa for a little under a year. I had been hesitant to get into therapy to deal with past trauma and a lifetime of depression. Finally I was encouraged to see Vanessa and it has been an incredible experience. She is very patient (even while I am quite stubborn), calm, encouraging, and motivating. She has helped me with start dealing with (and defining what "dealing" means) past sexual trauma, depression and irritation issues, business struggles and a lot of self actualization. She introduced me to a method called EMDR, which has been great for me as a way of understanding and reprocessing trauma and negative thinking/behavior. She not only listens but encourages discussion and helps create different pathways of thinking about things in a more constructive or boundary creating manner. I highly recommend working with Vanessa even if you are on the fence about beginning therapy. read more

Vanessa is one of the best clinicians I've had the pleasure of working with. I was lost for a while and she helped guide me out of a deep depression. She's attentive, intuitive, intelligent, and is deft at figuring out what I need from our sessions. She's is always professional, yet she still maintains a sense of warmth. I started going to her because of the type of therapy she does but also because she practices EMDR, a type of therapy I had heard of and wanted to try out for various reasons. After the first few weeks of EMDR I was blown away by the progress I was making, it was almost subconscious. I began making connections on my own and re-framing my own thoughts instead of needing to hear it from someone else. I am a much more in-tune, self-sufficient person these days and I think it, in part, has to do with the care I've received from my sessions with Vanessa. I absolutely recommend her. read more

I started seeing Vanessa shortly after separating from my fiance. I was feeling overwhelmed and needed someone to talk to. I spoke with a few different counselors over the phone, but in the end I'm glad that I went to see her. I found her to be very accommodating and one of the most empathic people I've ever worked with. While her expertise in EMDR was one of the main factors in my decision, I was also impressed with her knowledge of other modalities. Living with anxiety is not easy, especially after a major upheaval in one's life, but this is an area that Vanessa knows well and she helped me immensely. With her guidance, I was able to work through my emotions quickly and get back onto an even keel. I'm now much better prepared to move on with my life, let go of the past, and move toward a future of happiness and fulfillment. read more

I have been doing EMDR work on multiple belief systems with Vanessa for nine months now and I can't begin to describe my gratitude for her and her work. I came to her feeling hopeless about my panic disorder and now feel confident in my capabilities, coping strategies, and my ability to heal. She is an extremely knowledgable clinician, remembers things from previous sessions (that I forgot I even mentioned!) which allows more integration of material and promotes an increase in my healing. She is compassionate, truly listens, and incorporates healing modalities that Ive shared resonates with me. She has helped me overcome so much in the short amount of time we have been seeing each other. I highly recommend Vanessa Ford if you are looking for a therapist. read more

I started seeing Vanessa a few months ago and within a very short time I started meeting my goals of therapy with her amazing support. She is easy to schedule with and takes seriously the items that I want to focus on. She has the ability to make the time I am in therapy very beneficial. Her office is very comfortable and inviting as well. Her feedback is without judgement and has helped me "connect the dots" between many of the aspects in life that have been challenging. She has helped me navigate a career change and a shift in family dynamics, which has created a sense of calm and balance that I did not know I was missing. I only have great things to say about her and the way in which she manages me as a client and her practice. read more

Vanessa is professional, courteous, and thoughtful. Her recollection of details from old conversations/sessions gives me the impression she spends time reviewing her notes--though I never see her take any--and cares about maintaining a longitudinal understanding of who I am and the growth I've made. Specifically, Vanessa helps me work through and parse the stress of holding a full-time job, navigating medical school admission, and maintaining a meaningful relationship with my fiancé. She also has two very cute little dogs that she keeps in the office with her. They are great at reducing stress and keeping things lighthearted. Seriously, petting a dog and watching it play can be disarming and therapeutic. Highly recommended. read more

I've been working with Vanessa for about nine months now the experience has been enormously beneficial for me in addressing problems with alcohol abuse as well as understanding underlying root causes. As a dedicated professional, she is expert at when to prompt, offer a new perspective or identify pattern of thought or behaviors without ever leading. She's worked with me to develop assignments to be performed outside of session to support our work during our weekly hour together. I am so grateful that I was able to find her and have in fact recommended her to friends who want to work through a particular issue or merely for maintenance of mental health. read more