Vanessa Adan (she/her)

Hi! I’m Vanessa Adan (she/her), a psychotherapy fellow at Roamers Therapy under the supervision of Shaysa Villa, LCSW.

I understand how struggles can deeply impact our well-being and day-to-day life, making it difficult to move forward or feel at peace. As a Latina and a child of immigrants, I know that seeking help can feel unfamiliar, even scary, in a culture where therapy is often misunderstood or met with stigma. Many of us were taught to push through hardships in silence, but healing doesn’t mean forgetting where we come from and erasing our past—it means allowing ourselves the space to grow. I want to reassure you that it’s okay to challenge the unhealthy beliefs we grew up with, to set boundaries, and to begin healing from generational trauma. Not only do you deserve that, but by prioritizing your well-being, you’re also creating a path toward healing for future generations.

My therapeutic approach has also been shaped by my experience while serving in the military, where I was exposed to both the power of perseverance and the impact of discrimination, which deepened my understanding of trauma, identity, and the emotional toll of feeling unseen and unheard. These experiences fuel my commitment to creating an environment where you feel validated, empowered, and understood, no matter what challenges you’re facing. 

My experience working with older adults with chronic mental illness reinforced my belief that healing goes beyond a diagnosis. I saw how a person’s environment, relationships, and access to care play a significant role in mental health. Additionally, I came to recognize the lasting impact of early life experiences, as unresolved childhood trauma and adverse events often continued to surface later in life, contributing to emotional distress and limiting progress. This awareness drives my integrative, trauma-informed approach to therapy, where I consider the whole person rather than just their symptoms. In our work together, I focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, patience, collaboration, and empowerment. I believe therapy is most effective when you feel safe, supported, and free to express yourself without judgment.

I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities to tailor treatment to your individual needs. I use Psychodynamic Therapy to explore how past experiences influence present behaviors, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge unhelpful thought patterns and build coping skills, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help you regulate emotions and navigate distressing situations. I also incorporate mindfulness techniques to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve sleep and mood. I use the Gottman Method to improve communication, trust, and connection in relationships.

I recognize that many struggles stem from external factors like relationships, systemic barriers, and cultural expectations. My goal is to help you navigate these challenges with confidence and increased self-awareness, providing you with the tools needed for growth, self-discovery, and well-being at your own pace.

I’m looking forward to hearing your story and working together.

Things that bring me joy

Spending time with friends and family, listening to podcasts, listening to music, going on drives, working out, reading, watching movies, exploring new places, and trying new things.

Education

Master of Social Work from Loyola University

Focus: Social Work

Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago

Focus: Psychology and Sociology

Clinical Supervisors

Shaysa Villa, MSW, LCSW, LICSW

Payment & Insurance Accepted

Locations

While ‘s office is located in South Loop and Lakeview, Chicago, for in-person sessions, she also welcomes and serves clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more.