I am pleased that you have selected BetterHelp and reached out to me as you begin your counseling journey. My name is Vanessa, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas. I have more than 12 years of professional counseling experience and hold a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults with a variety of emotional, relational, and life concerns.
As a Christian counselor, I believe that true healing involves caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. My counseling approach is grounded in biblical Christian principles and the Word of God, while also incorporating therapeutic modalities that are clinically appropriate and responsive to your individual needs. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where faith and professional counseling can work together to encourage healing, growth, and meaningful change.
I have experience helping clients navigate anxiety and stress, depression, relationship concerns, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, life transitions, and other personal challenges. My clinical approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-focused approaches, along with other therapeutic interventions as appropriate. I believe that counseling should be collaborative and individualized rather than a one-size-fits-all process.
My faith is an important part of who I am as a counselor. I am passionate about helping individuals discover hope, healing, identity, purpose, and strength through their relationship with God and the truth of His Word. When appropriate and desired by the client, I integrate Scripture and biblical principles into the counseling process while also utilizing therapeutic interventions that support emotional and psychological well-being.
I believe you are the expert on your own story. You bring strengths, experiences, values, and abilities into counseling that can become important resources for your healing and growth. My role is to walk alongside you, provide professional guidance, help you understand the challenges you are facing, and support you as you work toward the changes you desire.
Taking the first step toward therapy requires courage. I am glad you have taken that step, and I look forward to walking alongside you as you pursue healing, growth, and a deeper understanding of yourself and your faith.
Professional experience
10 yrs in practice
Stress and anxiety Relationship issues Motivation, self esteem, and confidence Depression Coping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:Family conflicts, Coping with grief and loss, Intimacy related issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Compassion fatigue, Caregiver issues and stress, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fertility issues, Forgiveness, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Young adult issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Prof. Vanessa Costello. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
She is the best
Written on Oct 02, 2026 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 years on issues concerning stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Great listener very insightful.
Written on Sep 15, 2026 after therapy with Vanessa for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and addictions
Just getting started but enjoying my experience so far.
Written on Jun 22, 2026 after therapy with Vanessa for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, and coping with life changes
Vanessa is a very good listener and has a way of putting things plainly. She is easy to connect with and is genuine in her care.
Written on Jun 19, 2026 after therapy with Vanessa for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
I think I stumbled upon the best therapist I’ve had yet I had/ have therapy trauma and it was hard for me to get back into therapy and I’ve been so happy with Ms.Vanessa she has given great steps and tools to help with things I have going on in my life
Written on Jun 10, 2026 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, grief, and self esteem
Amazing therapist
Written on May 12, 2026 after therapy with Vanessa for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and grief
Vanessa is an amazing therapist and she brings everything back to God which is what I needed. She comes from a place of truly caring, she never comes from a place of judgement which I had felt from previous therapist. She listens and helps me process what I am going through.
Written on Apr 21, 2026 after therapy with Vanessa for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
Vanessa goes out of her way to help people who need help.
Written on Apr 16, 2026 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
My first impression with Dr. Vanessa was very nice. She is very relatable & comfortable to talk to.
Written on Mar 06, 2026 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, anger management, and coping with life changes
Vanessa is an excellent therapist and always responds as soon as she has chance. She listens and offers great advice
Written on Feb 04, 2026 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Since I started therapy with Vanessa, Im starting to feel at peace. She hears me when I talk and provides such great feedback. I always said I'd never go to therapy but she makes me feel like I can tell her anything without judgement and I always look forward to my next session. She has so much compassion and even though I have a long ways to go, I'm excited for this new journey.
Written on Jan 24, 2026 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Vanessa is great
Written on Jan 06, 2026 after therapy with Vanessa for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning self esteem, and coping with life changes
She is excellent and extremely helpful
Written on Jan 05, 2026 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 years and 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fati
She’s very caring and compassionate. She’s very professional, knowledgeable and helpful.
Written on Dec 10, 2025 after therapy with Vanessa for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
She is an excellent therapist. I have had a lot and I believe she has been the best I have ever had
Written on Nov 24, 2025 after therapy with Vanessa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Vanessa has a comforting nature and I feel gets what I’m trying share.
Written on Nov 10, 2025 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Vanessa is a kind and knowledgeable therapist
Written on Aug 21, 2025 after therapy with Vanessa for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
I have only had two sessions with Vanessa, but based on those two sessions, Vanessa has met me right where I am in my life. She has made me feel heard, confident, and hopeful. She is very easy to talk to and with her experience and expertise, she knowns exactly what I am going through which makes me feel even more confident in this journey. I genuinely hold nothing back, and she does the same for me. She tells me how it is and that is exactly what I need. I am so grateful that the Lord has put Vanessa in my path and on this journey of healing!
Written on Jul 31, 2025 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Vanessa is courteours, kind, hepful and realistic. She offers realistic solutions as opposed to just a listening hear. I love the call to action and the working out of obstacles.
Written on Jul 08, 2025 after therapy with Vanessa for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
So thankful for Dr. Vanessa! I always feel MUCH better after our sessions! Thank you BetterHelp.
Written on Jun 27, 2025 after therapy with Vanessa for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching,
Vanessa is a great listener and has really helped me through challenging times. She is encouraging and supportive and provides helpful feedback. I always leave our sessions feeling much better and optimistic.
Written on Jun 24, 2025 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Thanks for listening to me and giving me some practical ways to reduce my anxiety and help me deal with my challenges.
Written on Apr 23, 2025 after therapy with Vanessa for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety
She's so sweet and insightful but I also feel like she knows how to keep it light and relatable and I really appreciate that about her :)
Written on Apr 08, 2025 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
She’s fabulous. There’s no other word for her. Just fabulous.
Written on Feb 16, 2025 after therapy with Vanessa for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, and intimacy-related issues
Vanessa genuinely cares and seems to understand the full picture quickly, without having to rehash years of situations. Love her!
Written on Feb 06, 2025 after therapy with Vanessa for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues
Vanessa Costello listens to me and gives me the support that I need. She is a great listener, but also great at giving advice at the right time. She understands me in ways that most therapists couldn’t. She sees me as a whole person and not just as a client. She has been the biggest help when my mind is at war with itself. I highly recommend her! I respect her greatly!
Written on Jan 18, 2025 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Vanessa is very easy to talk to, thank you
Written on Dec 30, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
Very helpful
Written on Dec 21, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
I have had 1 session with my therapist and it went great. She listened and responded appropriately and made recommendations on reading materials and worksheets.
Written on Dec 06, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and adhd
Working with Dr. Costello has been great! I feel more confident and capable in handling life’s challenges after speaking with her.
Written on Nov 19, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Knows how to cut through the crap and stays direct with me
Written on Oct 29, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
My second session and I already feel like I’ve had a breakthrough. Thank you Vanessa.
Written on Sep 24, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
When I started my therapy journey, I feared mostly that I'd be wasting their time. That my issues weren't that big of a deal and that I should consider myself lucky that I can even consider going to therapy.
Not only did Vanessa IMMEDIATELY dissuade those thoughts, but she made me feel heard and she made me realize that everyone who thinks they need help shouldn't restrict themselves from finding it.
I couldn't have asked for a better therapist than her and I appreciate all her words to me
Written on Aug 15, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Im just starting out, but already I've learned a lot of valuable things from Vanessa
Written on Aug 14, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
She has helped me see more beauty in my role as a father and husband.
Written on Jul 23, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coaching, and adhd
I have really enjoyed Vanessa as my therapist. She is making a huge difference in my life.
Written on Jul 11, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Vanessa is a very capable, caring therapist. She listens with all senses and never makes me feel like I am being judged.
Written on Jun 24, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, compassion fatigue, and adhd
In my first initial therapy session, I was nervous to even go through with it. I was nervous I wouldn't be heard. After completing the first session, I left feeling much better as the weeks went on. I've started to look forward to having my meetings with Vanessa
Written on Apr 27, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, and self esteem
Vanessa is great. She has gotten to know me and listens very well and has helped me to understand why I do the things I do.
Written on Apr 27, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 4 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Vanessa is a thoughtful, kind person who listens and understands the life experiences that I may struggle with and offers examples and lived experiences of how to manage each situation. I am thankful for her expertise because it has helped me navigate some challenging times and the laughter always helps as well.
Written on Apr 08, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 months on issues concerning self esteem, and coping with life changes
I absolutely love working with Dr. Costello! She was able to get to the root of issues in our first session together. She is very straightforward, which i really appreciate and need in my life. Our sessions always seem to go by so quickly! She is funny and quick-witted as well, and she really listens to me. I also enjoy her real-life examples, homework, and practical steps she gives me to implement into my own life. I’m so happy she is my therapist and I am loving the progress I’m seeing with her already!
Written on Mar 15, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Vanessa is a wonderful therapist, she goes above and beyond for me and I'm sure every client she has. I highly recommend her.
Written on Jan 18, 2024 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
In our calls we got right down to business and I'm feeling lighter than before. Vanessa makes things feel simple and actionable. She is easy to talk to, and has a good sense of humor!
Written on Nov 17, 2023 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
excellent therapist
Written on Nov 04, 2023 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and anger management
Vanessa makes you think. She put things in perspective that you may have never thought about. But it is a good thing it helps you understand the things that you are going through.
Written on Oct 25, 2023 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
Miss Venessa is very kind and easy to talk to. From day one she has made me feel like I am talking to a friend. Except she is like talking to a friend that knows how to break down my situation and feelings and better my life.
Written on Sep 11, 2023 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, and coaching
Vanessa is great. She listens, encourages and gives great insight to issues I am experiencing.
Written on Jul 07, 2023 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
I feel much better after we talk.
Written on Jun 07, 2023 after therapy with Vanessa for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes
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