About Antoinette Vargas

My Approach

Reaching out for support can be difficult, especially when you have spent a long time trying to navigate things on your own. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel safe to be honest, understood without judgment, and supported in working toward the changes you want to make.

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) with experience working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health concerns, and co-occurring disorders. I have supported clients through recovery, anxiety, depression, emotional challenges, life transitions, relationship concerns, and other experiences that can leave you feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

My approach is eclectic and individualized. I draw from Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), person centered, strengths based, and trauma informed approaches. I believe therapy should meet you where you are, and our work together will be shaped around your needs, experiences, and goals.

Building genuine rapport is one of the most important parts of therapy to me. Clients have shared that they appreciate feeling heard and truly listened to in our conversations, as well as having a space where they can talk openly about their experiences without feeling judged. I want our work to feel collaborative, allowing us to explore what is happening, recognize your strengths, develop practical tools, and work toward meaningful change together.

I am also expanding my work with couples and will be completing additional training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), allowing me to further support couples who want to strengthen their connection and better understand the patterns within their relationships.

You do not need to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. Sometimes the first step is simply having a conversation with someone who will listen. I would be honored to meet you where you are and work alongside you as you move toward where you want to be.

Experience

Mental health and substance use treatment, including work with substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, mood concerns, recovery, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

Issues:

Substance use, mental health concerns, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, mood concerns, relationship concerns, life transitions, coping skills, and emotional wellness.