Vanessa Whalen, L.M.S.W.

Vanessa Whalen has been a licensed master social worker for the past twelve years, having received her graduate degree from the University of Kansas in 1996. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Wichita State University in 1988. Currently, Vanessa is pursuing her specialist clinical license as well as registered play therapist status.

Over the past twenty years, Vanessa has been employed in behavioral health and human services. She has extensive experience with hospice, domestic and sexual violence services, mental retardation, and employee assistance. Vanessa has expertise in treating grief and loss, domestic violence and sexual assault, depression, anxiety, PTSD, communication problems, parenting issues, and stress.

Vanessa works with individuals, couples, and families, and especially enjoys working with children as young as the age of three. She is a strong proponent of play therapy in the treatment of children, and utilizes those techniques when appropriate.

Because of her familiarity with a number of therapeutic approaches, Vanessa is able to match the therapeutic approach to the individual’s need. Among the methods Vanessa may utilize are cognitive therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, play therapy, sandtray therapy, and strengths-based work.

Vanessa is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Association for Play Therapy. She is also certified by the Department of Transportation as a Substance Abuse Professional.