“Validation is one of the most important facets of mental health. Your feelings are never wrong, because they are yours.”
— Vanessa Parry Zoog
Vanessa Parry Zoog, MSW, LCSW
Owner, Psychotherapist
Vanessa Parry Zoog, LCSW, was born and raised in Burlington County and graduated from Moorestown High School. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and went on to obtain a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Early in her career, Vanessa worked primarily with older adults and adults with chronic illness, providing grief counseling and social services. Desiring more clinical experience, Vanessa found a position as a primary therapist in The Hampton Counseling Center's adult intensive outpatient psychiatric program, where she provided group, family, and individual therapy to clients with mental health issues and to dually-diagnosed clients, struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
Vanessa started Serenity Counseling, in 2008 with business partner, Marlene McDermott, working together until 2013 when Marlene relocated and Vanessa continued the practice on her own.
Vanessa has extensive experience in working with children through older adults and utilizes CBT, DBT and trauma informed theory in her practice. She is trained in EMDR. play therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
“The impact Vanessa has had on my life is incredible. I am beginning to feel like myself again, and even when I don’t, she reassures me that it is okay to feel that way and that I can handle it.”
— J.H. Serenity Client
“Vanessa has helped me change my life!!”
— D.B. Serenity Client
“…But I also have another hero, my therapist Miss Vanessa helped me through my hardest times. She comforted me when I couldn’t help but cry. She taught me breathing techniques that I use everyday. I thank her so much. ”
— J.M. 10 y/o Serenity Client
“A couple recent incidents reminded me of some things from when I first started therapy with Vanessa. A friend had guided me towards her specifically at Serenity because we had some similar professional backgrounds and believed I would feel understood as to the impact working in hospice had on my well-being. When I went in person for a recent session to the Cinnaminson office, the person I was when I first started came rushing back as I pulled on the cul-de-sac. I remarked during my session on the different person I feel like now as I pulled up versus the person I was back then. She has seen me through many significant losses as well as a significant change in my career.
I've longed believed in the therapeutic process and will proudly tell anyone that I am in therapy. I strongly believe everyone would benefit from the time and space in a healthy therapeutic alliance. Unfortunately, our society does not support this notion and continues to reinforce the concept of strength is not showing your emotions when there is clear evidence supporting it is the exact opposite. Vanessa helped me find the confidence to venture out into this new role, to find my voice, and the confidence to speak "even when my voice shakes." We all need a space and time like this for ourselves, especially in today's tenuous political climate. My hope is everyone finds their "Vanessa" who will help them as much as she has helped me. ”
— D.B. SERENITY CLIENT
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