Vanessa E. Ford

LCSW, CADC • Psychotherapist and Addictions Specialist

In-person only

About

With over two decades of experience in the field of mental health, Vanessa E. Ford, LCSW, CADC, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her psychotherapy practice in Chicago. Specializing in trauma healing, grief counseling, and addictions therapy, Ford's approach is both insight-oriented and goal-directed, offering clients a path to profound behavioral change and improved well-being.

Ford's journey in mental health began with her work providing psychotherapy to children and families impacted by HIV, which laid the foundation for her deep commitment to serving the LGBTQ community. This early experience significantly enhanced her ability to recognize and address the lasting impacts of childhood abuse in her adult clients. Her expertise expanded as she worked as a staff psychotherapist at the Midwest's largest LGBT center, where she developed innovative programs addressing addiction, including an intensive outpatient program and a targeted initiative for crystal meth addiction in men who have sex with men.

In 2007, Ford established her full-time private practice on Chicago's north side, where she continues to offer a range of specialized services. Her therapeutic approach includes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, a technique she has been refining since 2006 to help clients process and resolve traumatic memories. Ford is also certified in domestic violence counseling, which informs her understanding of dysfunctional relationship patterns and cycles of abuse.

Ford's educational background is equally impressive. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in children and families from Loyola University Chicago's School of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Psychology from the University of Chicago. Her commitment to ongoing professional development is evident in her completion of several advanced fellowship programs through the University of Chicago SSA, including the Contextual Behavioral Therapy Fellowship program and the Advanced Psychodynamic Clinical Practice Fellowship Program.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC), Ford brings a unique blend of clinical expertise to her practice. She specializes in helping clients address anxiety, post-traumatic stress, panic attacks, grief, depression, and addiction recovery. Her work is particularly focused on helping clients correct distorted thinking patterns that lead to negative self-talk, providing concrete tools for behavioral change, and improving communication and relationships.

Vanessa E. Ford's practice stands out for its inclusive approach, particularly in serving the LGBTQ community, and her dedication to providing comprehensive mental health support. Whether working with individuals struggling with trauma, addiction, or relationship issues, Ford's goal is to create a trusted, supportive environment where clients can work towards healing, growth, and improved quality of life.

Qualifications

Certifications, Memberships & Training

  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Chicago, IL

State Licenses

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Chicago, IL

Specialties & Expertise

Specializations

  • Addiction
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • PTSD
  • Stress
  • Substance Abuse
  • Trauma

State Licenses

  • Illinois

Race, Gender & Sexual Sensitivities

  • LGBTQ+ Allied

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Locations

Vanessa E. Ford - Rogers Park Office
Chicago, IL

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