Vanessa larosier

"Sometimes when you're in a dark place you think you've been buried, when you've actually been planted.”     -- Christine Caine

Hello, my name is Vanessa Larosier. I am looking forward to meeting you! I graduated from the University of Sioux Falls with a BS in Psychology and Social Sciences. Currently, I am pursuing my MS in Mental Health Clinical Counseling through Grand Canyon University in the online program. After completing my undergraduate degrees, I knew I wanted to use them to help others on a deeper level, which is how I decided to get into counseling.

During my time in graduate school, I have been working alongside families and children, specifically parents with young children. I have a passion for children, but I am looking forward to meeting with all different groups of people.  Throughout my youth, I experienced poverty and hardship as the child of a single mother.  This experience has humbled me as a young adult venturing into life on my own.  I have overcome much adversity and find that having a steady life plan, budget, and resources are all required to instill security and peace in life.  I want to help families navigate the deep loss that surrounds a feeling of need and lack.  My passion lies in leading families to resources and offering them the mental fortitude to push through the inevitable challenges that life throws our way.

I also understand the struggle of navigating life without a solid male father figure.  This dynamic has made me an independent Black woman who has found strength among the female figures in my life.  I have compassion for those who feel the emptiness of not getting the chance to explore the other half of themselves.  I have found peace in letting go of control over other's choices to be in my life, and I wish to help others let go and allow themselves to flourish among the support systems they can rely on to build strength, resiliency, and healing.

When I am not studying, I like to spend my time reading, walking in the sunshine or staying active in the gym. I am from the Sioux Falls area and enjoy spending time off with my friends and family. I hope you may find strength through your adversity and hardships and I look forward to working with you!

EMBRACE IT

I also identify that I am part of a minority group as a Black woman who is transitioning into adult life from college.  Many young Black women have not been afforded the same opportunities as I have even despite the financial struggles my family faced growing up.  It is an unfortunate truth in our society that Blacks and women still struggle today with themes like equality, poverty, social disparity, microaggressions, bias, and misunderstanding. 

I wish to cultivate an environment of cultural sensitivity to all ethnicities, faiths, demographics, and races, no matter their background, but I also have an innate desire to help those young Black adults who seek familiarity in their struggles, especially young children. While fostering inclusivity for everyone, there is a particular dedication to supporting young Black adults and children, recognizing the disparities that persist and aiming to be a beacon of empowerment and understanding for those navigating similar paths.

Children of lower-income families often face the daunting challenge of navigating not only economic hardships but also the complex web of generational trauma and adversity. Therapy serves as a transformative tool in breaking the cycle by providing a supportive space where these young individuals can process and heal from the impact of socio-economic disparities, fostering resilience and empowering them to overcome generational challenges for a brighter future.

  • Lower income families often face financial barriers when seeking counseling and therapy interventions, but various resources are available to address their mental health needs. Community mental health clinics, nonprofit organizations, government-sponsored programs, and private practices like The Talking Pointe often offer sliding scale fees or low-cost services to make mental health support more accessible. Additionally, our therapists may provide pro bono or reduced-fee sessions for individuals with limited financial means.

    Lower income families are particularly in need of these services as they often encounter elevated stressors related to financial instability, limited access to educational resources, and increased community challenges. Accessible mental health services can play a crucial role in providing support, coping mechanisms, and resilience-building strategies, helping individuals and families navigate the unique stressors associated with lower socioeconomic status. By addressing mental health needs, these interventions contribute to breaking the cycle of generational challenges and promoting overall well-being within lower income communities.

  • In a broad sense, a minority refers to a group of people within a society who possess distinct characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or other factors, that set them apart from the majority or dominant group. The term often implies that this group holds a smaller share of the population or has less influence in social, political, or economic aspects compared to the majority. Minorities may face unique challenges and experiences, including systemic discrimination or unequal access to resources. It's important to note that the concept of minority is context-dependent and can vary across different regions, cultures, and social structures.

    Being part of a minority involves navigating a complex landscape shaped by systemic inequalities and cultural stereotypes. Microaggressions, subtle and often unintentional expressions of bias or discrimination, are pervasive in daily interactions and can contribute to feelings of marginalization and frustration. These microaggressions may manifest as dismissive comments, stereotypes, or exclusionary behavior, perpetuating a sense of otherness.

    Therapy and counseling serve as transformative spaces where individuals can confront and process these biases. Therapists provide a supportive environment to explore the impact of microaggressions, validate feelings of frustration or anger, and develop coping strategies. By fostering self-awareness and resilience, therapy empowers individuals to navigate the challenges associated with being part of a minority, fostering personal growth and dismantling the internalized effects of systemic biases.

  • Therapy plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals from single-parent families by providing a supportive space to navigate the unique challenges they may face. Single parents often shoulder a multitude of responsibilities, from financial pressures to emotional support, which can lead to feelings of stress and burnout. Therapy helps individuals in single-parent families build resilience, offering tools to cope with stressors and fostering a deeper understanding of their strengths and capabilities. Through open dialogue, therapy can address feelings of isolation or overwhelm, providing validation and guidance to enhance parenting skills. Additionally, it offers a platform for exploring effective communication strategies and building a strong support network. By empowering individuals from single-parent families, therapy contributes to personal growth, enhanced well-being, and the creation of a nurturing environment for both parents and children.

  • Embarking on the journey to set boundaries amid codependency issues begins with self-reflection and a commitment to prioritize one's well-being. It involves recognizing the patterns of enmeshment and identifying where personal boundaries have been blurred. Therapy and counseling serve as instrumental tools in this process, providing a safe and non-judgmental space to explore one's sense of self and individuality within a demanding and conflicted family dynamic. Therapists can guide individuals in understanding their needs, values, and personal limits, facilitating the establishment of healthy boundaries. Through therapeutic interventions, individuals gain the skills to communicate effectively, assert their needs, and foster a sense of autonomy. This transformative process enables individuals to navigate familial pressures with greater resilience, ultimately creating a healthier balance between individuality and familial connections.