Vanessa Duran
Licensed Therapist, MSW, LCSW
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OCD is often misdiagnosed, which leads to years of suffering. NOCD makes it possible for everyone to receive the proper treatment and live the best life possible. My approach to treating OCD involves going at a pace that's comfortable but challenging for my members. It's an individualized process that relies heavily on rapport. ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) helps you live your life the way you want, not how OCD tells you. My other focus areas include trauma, depression, and anxiety. As a 16-year Navy veteran, I've treated many service members for trauma.
OCD is often misdiagnosed, which leads to years of suffering. NOCD makes it possible for everyone to receive the proper treatment and live the best life possible. My approach to treating OCD involves going at a pace that's comfortable but challenging for my members. It's an individualized process that relies heavily on rapport. ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) helps you live your life the way you want, not how OCD tells you. My other focus areas include trauma, depression, and anxiety. As a 16-year Navy veteran, I've treated many service members for trauma.
Location
Licensed in Connecticut, District Of Columbia
About
Clinical Expertise
OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Skin picking, Hair pulling, Nail biting, Tics, Hoarding disorder, Children and Adolescents
Cultural competencies
Christianity, Islam, Atheism, Agnosticism, Buddhism
Education
Teville State University
Insurance
Plans accepted by Vanessa
Aetna, Ascension SmartHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Curative, Forest County Potawatomi, Horizon BCBS, Independence Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Partners Direct Health, United Healthcare,
Want to work with Vanessa?
Talk with our team to learn more.
Get to know Vanessa
My personal connection to OCD and mental health
I had a tic disorder growing up, which is an OCD-related disorder. This was in the 80's and my parents didn't know a lot about it, so I was always told, "Stop doing that. Quit doing that. Just quit." It wasn't as easy as just quitting. They did the best they could given that they didn't know too much, but I did take on a lot of shame and guilt. I started doing more mental compulsions because those were easier to hide.
How I create a safe, supportive environment in therapy
I try my best to provide a non-judgmental space. I'm here to learn and understand how I can help you, and that's going to require a little bit of trust and vulnerability. When I ask questions, I try to frame them in a way that sounds just like a regular conversation—so there's not a whole lot of pressure. I want to know what motivates you, what makes you happy, and what your goals are for the future. This gives me a good picture of what you want out of your treatment.
My message to you if you're struggling right now
It's important to recognize that you're not alone. Sometimes, OCD can make you feel like your thoughts are so taboo. It can make you feel like you're on an island. I want you to feel like you have a community or support or a village, and to know that you're not the only one who thinks this way. You may feel afraid saying these things out loud, but they're actually quite common. They're so common that we have a name for it.
Why our members love working with Vanessa
J.J.
Wonderful educational tools and insights
K.C.
Vanessa Duran is absolutely amazing!
J.J.
I feel that Vanessa does a fantastic job listening to me, being personable and also professional. Thank you!!
S.D.
I knew I liked Vanessa right away. She has a very kind, gentle and genuine way about her. I feel comfortable talking with her. She shows care for me. She is educating and provides me with hope that I can get better.
J.J.
Vanessa was so kind, open and gentle. Thank you for showing me that I can get help!
D.P.
My first session with my therapist went great! She was very professional and made me feel hopeful!
E.B.
We love Vanessa very much!!! We find her to be compassionate and knowledgeable. We are so grateful for her and for NOCD!!!!
J.T.
Vanessa is FANTASTIC! I don't know where Id be without her. I have struggled on/off with OCD for many years and had a relapse of symptoms after having my first baby last summer. I suffered with scary intrusive thoughts and mental compulsions for months. Im so grateful that I finally took this step and committed to treatment through NOCD. Its extremely convenient and all of the exercises and homework and treatment plan materials are in your app portal. Vanessa is kind, relatable, friendly and sooo down to earth and understanding. She honestly made ERP fun, I even was able to laugh at my self a few times. She gives so much encouragement and really made me feel confident that I have what it takes to beat OCD!!! Highly recommend Vanessa and NOCD. Also loved that using the app and zoom made ERP less intimidating than it may have been in person as I procrastinated on having to go into someones office not knowing what to expect. I feel amazing compared to when I started this journey - 5 stars!
M.L.
I absolutely love my therapist. She has helped me a great deal and I hope to continue to work with her. However, before my first appointment I was told my therapy would be in network. But after 10 sessions I was informed by my insurance company that it is out of network. I have been battling with NOCD and my insurance company to get it straitened out. This is causing a lot of undo stress and the balance is astronomical to me and now I cannot continue therapy because it is too high. Now I have to wait for them to straighten it out.
M.L.
She is an amazing therapist!
B.M.
My therapist Vanessa was extremely supportive and helped me with through a challenging exposure today. I’ve grown to appreciate how caring and understanding she is with my treatment and the compulsions I struggle with.
M.L.
Today was an amazing breakthrough session! It is the first time in many years were I felt peace. I look forward to continuing our work together.
C.J.
Very patient and understanding
M.L.
Very professional. I look forward to working with her to help me with my OCD.
J.A.
Vanessa is the best
N.L.
She is incredible
P.P.
4th session and feeling this is going very well.
M.P.
Very patient
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