STRONG SENSE OF SELF
FAMILY COUNSELING
Moving you through trauma to your true self
Vanessa Manes
Owner of Strong Sense of Self Family Counseling
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #128077
Do you ever feel like you’re navigating life on your own? Like what you’re carrying feels too heavy or too much for others to truly understand?
At Strong Sense of Self Counseling, we believe you don’t have to do this alone. Therapy is a space where you can slow down, feel supported, and begin to understand yourself in a deeper, more compassionate way.
We work with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, self-esteem challenges, and relationship difficulties. Many of our clients come in feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns they don’t fully understand and together, we begin to make sense of those experiences.
Our approach is rooted in creating a safe, collaborative space where your story can unfold at your own pace. We draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment-based work, and psychodynamic therapy to help you explore the parts of yourself, understand your patterns, and build a stronger connection to who you are.
Our therapists are also trained in EMDR through the EMDR International Association, supporting deeper healing from trauma and past experiences.
Above all, we believe healing isn’t about fixing you it’s about helping you feel more grounded, more connected, and more aligned with your authentic self.
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.
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.