“Let Your Heart Be Your Compass, Your Mind Your Map, Your Soul Your Guide And You Will Never Get Lost.”
Ritu Ghatourey
Vanessa Mangione, MHC LP
Hi! My name is Vanessa Mangione and I’m a mental health counselor in Rochester, NY with a background in addictions counseling and advanced training in mind-body healing and wellness. My journey towards becoming a mental health counselor has been influenced by my own story of healing and personal growth; the more aligned I have become with my authentic self, the more I have understood counseling to be my life’s calling. I named my practice True North Emotional Wellness, because I understand the healing that is possible when we are able to attune to ourselves and others authentically and openly, fostering trust and alignment in our everyday lives.
I am an integrative therapist, meaning that I use many different techniques depending on the unique needs of the person in front of me. However, my practice is strongly influenced by Experiential Dynamic Therapy (EDT). This approach pays careful attention to how we relate to ourselves and others, our emotions, and the various ways that we avoid them, which often causes greater suffering in our lives. EDTs can help us to face painful emotions in order to get to the root of our suffering and free ourselves from the patterns of thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve us. If you’d like to learn more about this approach, check out my resources page.
In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my partner and two children, singing and writing music, cooking, gardening and spending time in nature.
Qualifications
Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling - University of Rochester
Advanced Certification in Mind-Body Healing and Wellness - University of Rochester
Addictions Counseling Certificate - Monroe Community College
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - University of Rochester
Specialized Training & Supervision
Individual, Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) supervision with William Watson (January2024-Present)
ISTDP Group Consultation with Maury Joseph (May/June 2024, January 2025-present)
Pre-Core Training in Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy with Michelle May, Washington School of Psychiatry (January 2025)
ISTDP for Functional Neurological Disorders Immersion with Allan Abbass (December 2024)
Experiential Dynamic Therapy (EDT) Group Supervision with Andre Marquis, University of Rochester (2023)
ISTDP for Personality Disorders, with Allan Abbass (2023)
Annual Halifax ISTDP Immersion with Allan Abbass & Joel Town (2023)
My counseling philosophy
I wholeheartedly believe that everyone possesses the innate ability to heal and grow; evolution is in our nature. Sometimes, we just need some help to find our way back to ourselves. I do not know all the answers and will not tell you what to do or where to go next because I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role as your counselor is to support you as you reconnect to the part of you that has always held that wisdom within. Oftentimes, this part is hidden from our view because of the patterns we have adopted over our lifetimes that, though initially were protective and useful, may now be getting in the way or no longer serve us. Together, we can explore and learn to recognize these patterns, so that you have choices and become empowered to be the author of your life, no longer controlled by your past conditioning.
As your counselor, I can be a witness to your joy, your pain, the whole of your authentic human experience and the continued unfolding of your journey. I can be an honest, gentle and compassionate guide. My office is a safe, non-judgmental environment where you are free to be yourself; fully and openly, you.
It would be my honor to walk alongside you on your path towards self-discovery and reconnection to yourself and others. Reach out below to connect and learn more.
A note about the healing journey
Healing is not a finite process. There is no arrival or end point. It is a forever unfolding. And as you heal, there are moments of increased awareness and clarity. Moments of increased joy and connection. The things that once derailed you and made you feel broken are more often approached with ease and confidence. You slowly awaken to the understanding that you were never broken at all. You were just momentarily lost. Far from your center. Far from your truth. You were always just a human, having a human experience. If you are here, now may be the time that you are finally ready to find yourself again, to reconnect to all of it. The pain and the joy of truly being alive.
— Vanessa