Influential Woman · Counseling
Vanessa Zelaya
Owner/Therapist, Let Healing Lead Counseling Services, LLC
New Brunswick, NJ
Her Story
About Vanessa
I realized from a much younger age that I probably always had the ability to listen to my friends without judging them. Friends would come to me and ask for advice, and I was a safe space for people in my life. As time progressed, I realized this was actually a career where you can get paid to do something that you really love to do, and that you can learn how to hone in on those skills in a professional way. I went into the field for personal reasons, like many people do, whether having family members with challenges or friends with personal struggles. My day-to-day consists of checking emails and voicemails, maintaining client records and documentation, making sure notes and treatment plans are done, and taking care of myself through meditation and exercise. I also do a lot of communicating on LinkedIn, attending networking events, and completing continuing education units every two years to maintain my licensure. I'm always on the lookout for opportunities to enhance or grow personally and professionally. My proudest moments are when clients say they feel empowered and ready to complete therapy, knowing they have everything they need within themselves to handle any challenge or obstacle. I've been in my own practice for about two and a half years now, and it's been a journey of learning that it doesn't have to be perfect to start - you can tweak and readjust along the way.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Vanessa
01What do you attribute your success to?
A strong spiritual foundation, supportive parents, and a wonderful mentor who was a great support to me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Stay curious and never stop learning!
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say that it doesn't have to be perfect to start. I know that I can get into needing it to be like this, needing it to be perfect, needing it to be just right so that I can present it. And while there may be certain things that are a requirement, I think it's okay if it's not 100% perfect. You can start where you are, and know that you're going to grow and change and evolve, and you're going to add things and maybe take away some things, and that it's okay. You can start from where you are. If you build it, they will come. Know that it's okay to reach out to other resources that have more experience, or that can help you to grow your business. Don't be afraid to ask for help, don't be afraid to ask questions. Try outreaching someone who is doing what you want to do, or is where you would like to be, and even if they don't respond back, it's okay, you just move on to someone else.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The field has become oversaturated. It can be a challenge to stand out amongst the crowd. However, there are many more opportunities to expand, and to do more than one thing. Today, we can wear so many hats, we can truly be so multifaceted. You cannot put anyone in a box, and I love that!
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency and honesty. What you see is what you get. No hidden agendas, or reasons to deceive anyone. This allows me to show up as my true authentic self, as I am. Flaws and all.
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