Ivette Vazquez, MS

I am a Mental Health Counselor in St. Cloud and Winter Park, Florida. have been actively practicing for 2 years and will be eligible for my state license next year. I am a mom to amazing children. Most people go into the mental health field because they are looking to help people. A lot of us “helpers” have had to endure our own trauma and this was a healing journey for us. I am no different. I have had many experiences with trauma since childhood. I often find myself relating to many of my clients and this gives me an advantage because the connection is authentic, I’m honest, sometimes blunt, but each of my clients understands that they are getting someone who genuinely cares. I have endured a lot in my life with abandonment, domestic abuse, divorce, imposter syndrome, and many other traumatic situations. I have been a young mom, semi-old mom, single mom, and married mom. I have been an abused wife physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically, a confused wife, a scared wife, and a loved wife. I have been an abandoned child, a loved child, a reckless teenager, and a reckless adult. I have dealt with an array of different struggles between all of it. I have also been a young thriving student with amazing scholarship grades to a college dropout, to getting my master’s degree at the age of 38. My struggles created a version of myself that I am proud of today. I am here to show you that depression, anxiety, or other symptoms don’t have to ruin/run your lives or define who you are. There’s hope and life can be beautiful no matter how down you can get.

One of my favorite places in the world is the beach, it signifies calmness, a place of reflection, and peace. The name Anchored Compass Counseling has a special meaning to me because it represents a double meaning, one in my personal life and one for my business. The anchor is meant for stability and the compass is about the journey. Sometimes we need someone to guide us, especially when we feel like we have no destination, being on an anchored foundation as we test the waters can mean the world when you're unsure of the outcome. Let me be your anchor to help you stand tall as I help you stabilize your compass.

• Bachelor’s Degree: University of Central Florida (UCF)

• Master’s Degree: Nova Southeastern University (NSU)