Symbolism of Chrysalis
Vulnerability • Patience • Protection • Transformation • Rebirth
"We all experience times when we feel stuck, trapped in cocoons of fear, doubt, or pain... The cocoon is not a place of defeat—it's a space of preparation. It's where we heal, grow, and transform into who we are truly meant to be." – Unknown
With Chrysalis, we believe in the importance of bravely letting go of past circumstances, impeding beliefs, and old habits. We believe in trusting the process and allowing time for growth. As painful and uncomfortable as transformation can be, we aim to provide reassuring and supportive care for this level of inner work. We aid those seeking to embrace their strengths and persevere against all odds. Chrysalis creates a confidential environment for safety and stillness, necessary in achieving an emersion of anew- to take flight and reflect on how far you've come and what new sights you're willing to arrive to.
Meet the Founder
Vanessa Neves-Armour, Psy.D. (She/Her)
Licensed Clinical Psychologist | PSY29640
About Me
Having grown up in the Central Valley, Dr. Neves has a deep passion for serving her community. She was drawn to the field at a young age witnessing the unspoken inner torment of loved ones. She recognized the need to destigmatize mental health and afford individuals of all ages, diverse cultural backgrounds, and varied life circumstances genuine and compassionate care in their pursuit toward inclusion, self acceptance, and a better outlook on life. In her free time, Dr. Neves loves to unwind and appreciate quality time spent with family and friends, finding sanctuary in the mountains, meeting personal milestones through indoor cycling, and basking in the simple joys of watching movies, taking evening strolls, and rollerblading with her children.
Experience
Dr. Neves comes with well over a decade of clinical experience. She began her early career working as a behavioral therapist serving individuals diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, intellectual disability, and ADHD. She completed her masters and doctoral degrees from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) - Alliant International University, emphasizing in child psychology. Furthering her education and career has led to 15 years of conducting comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluations for toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults, to include neurodivergent evaluations, forensic evaluations, diagnostic clarification evaluations, and court-ordered risk evaluations. She also comes with 7 years of experience working within California Prison Health Care Services where she was positioned as a Senior Psychologist, Specialist as a subject matter expert in overseeing level of care needs for individuals receiving mental health treatment. As such, she has extensive experience working with adults diagnosed with severe mental illness, complex trauma, mood disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, co-occurring medical conditions, etc.
Therapy Approach
In therapy, Dr. Neves integrates psychodynamic and humanistic theory modalities, which allows for a collaborative exploration with clients in processing past conflicts, while also honoring their inner drive toward genuine self-actualization. Further, this approach offers an individual a chance to understand their unconscious defenses that block inner growth. Dr. Neves will work to guide individuals towards healing, uncovering their innate abilities, and self-discovery towards fulfillment. This is achieved through a safe and nonjudgmental environment, where authenticity and empathy are highly regarded. She also provides therapy to children and adolescents, implementing elements of play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Areas of specialty:
psychological & neuropsychological evaluations • autism spectrum disorder (ASD) • trauma and stress related disorders • attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) • anxiety disorders • bipolar disorders • schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders • personality disorders • intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) • specific learning disorders • obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) • conduct disorders • attachment disorders • stress and chronic pain