Vinny Ancona, LMSW

Vincent John Ancona (“Vinny”) (they/them or he/him) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Trauma Specialist (LMSW-Clinical in MI; LCSW in NC; LISW in SC) and a Professionally Certified Grief Educator. They have trained with internationally recognized leaders in trauma, grief, and neuroscience, and bring a grounded, accessible, and culturally responsive approach to mental health care. As a first-generation college graduate from a low-income background who earned competitive academic scholarships, including an assistantship to the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Vinny understands the emotional landscapes of resilience, pressure, identity, and systemic barriers. This informs their commitment to providing therapy that is warm, inclusive, collaborative, and deeply authentic.

Vinny supports clients by exploring the connections between the mind, brain, nervous system, body, and environment. Their integrative therapeutic style draws from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), problem-solving therapy, relational and psychodynamic approaches, and existential and logotherapy-informed work. They also offer a semi-structured trauma treatment process incorporating neural desensitization coping mechanisms (trained directly by Dr. Jennifer Sweeton), window of tolerance model developed by Dr. Janina Fisher, somatic experiencing and body-based practices influenced by Dr. Peter Levine, and Compassionate Inquiry concepts developed by Dr. Gabor Maté.

In addition to extensive training in trauma, Vinny is a Professionally Certified Grief Educator through a rigorous program designed by renowned grief expert and hospice director David Kessler, FACHE (co-author of the “Six Stages of Grief”). They work with clients navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidality, life transitions, relationship challenges, minority stress, existential questions, workplace burnout, academic pressure, and LGBTQIA+ experiences including coming out, gender identity exploration, and gender-affirming letter writing. Vinny creates a space that is welcoming to clients of all identities, abilities, and relationship structures, and they offer affirming care for clients of all racial and cultural backgrounds, queer, trans, disabled, neurodivergent, kink, and ethically non-monogamous communities.

Vinny studied psychology at Bucknell University and completed additional coursework in European clinical psychology at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS), where some classes were taught by instructors affiliated with universities in Copenhagen. During their graduate training at the University of Michigan, Vinny lived in the Telluride House, a scholarship residence known for its emphasis on intellectual curiosity, community engagement, and social responsibility. They continue to deepen their clinical expertise through ongoing training and are currently completing an adult ADHD treatment certification (anticipated 2026). Vinny continues to deepen his clinical expertise as an affiliate member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and draws inspiration from the mission of the National Alliance of Trauma Recovery Centers (NATRC).

As a therapist, Vinny believes that healing happens only when clients feel safe enough to show up as themselves. They work collaboratively with clients to set goals that evolve over time, integrating both evidence-based and holistic approaches. Their style is gentle, direct, and attuned, especially for those who are hesitant about therapy or unsure about the mental health system. For accessibility and convenience, they offer telehealth sessions to clients in Michigan, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Vinny’s goal is to reduce stigma, honor lived experience, listen for things not being said, and support meaningful, lasting change for people from all walks of life.