Vanessa Cardin
Owner & Founder of Strong Sense of Self Family Counseling Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #128077
Do you ever feel like you are doing life alone? Or that your struggles are too much for anyone else to handle? Here at Strong Sense of Self Counseling, we strive to create an environment for our clients to freely explore their feelings and thoughts in a safe place. We are passionate about partnering with individuals who are struggling with depression, self-esteem, anxiety, grief and relationship issues. Other strengths include: work problems, family problems, trauma, PTSD, addiction, childhood issues, spiritual identity, and many others. Our priority is making sure that each persons unique needs are met during the therapeutic process.
We genuinely care about seeing clients grow, find purpose, reach their goals, and live an empowered life. Strong Sense of Self therapist primarily utilize techniques and approaches from Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic and Attachment Theory. Our therapists are EMDR trained by the EMDR International Association.
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Areas of Expertise
Attachment Theory
Attachment Theory is based on the idea that the relationships we form with our caregivers in early childhood shape how we connect with others throughout our lives. In therapy, understanding your attachment style—whether it’s secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized—can shed light on patterns in your relationships and emotional responses. By exploring these patterns, we work together to help you cultivate healthier connections and emotional well-being.
At Strong Sense of Self Family Counseling, we bring Attachment Theory into our practice to help you heal from past experiences and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. We create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your emotions and experiences, empowering you to break free from old patterns. Our goal is to guide you toward healing, self-awareness, and the lasting connection you deserve.
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Internal Family Systems Theory
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that views your mind as made up of different parts, each with its own feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. These parts can include roles like the inner critic, the protective parts, or the vulnerable child. IFS helps you understand and connect with these parts, often uncovering how they try to protect you or manage past hurts. The goal is to bring these parts into balance, heal wounds, and help you access your core, or "Self," which is compassionate, calm, and capable of leading your internal system. Through IFS, we work to create harmony within your mind, so you can feel more centered and at peace.
"Staying Vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection."
-Brené Brown
We offer online sessions for clients located in the state of California
& In-person sessions in San Diego.
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