Tori Vazquez, LCSW

Tori Vazquez (they/them) is an LCSW who works with adults, teens, and families. Their clinical work is grounded in transformative justice, abolition, anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice, and trauma-informed care. They have extensive experience and interest in working with individuals navigating complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use concerns, and those exploring sexuality and gender identity. As a queer-and-trans-identified clinician, Tori also has a deep commitment to working with individuals identifying within LGBTQ+ communities and providing affirming support to individuals identifying as kinky, poly, and/or practicing non-monogamous relationship structures.

Tori uses an integrative, person-centered therapeutic approach, blending different theories in order to work with each client in the most effective way. Their highly relational approach is warm, open, non-judgmental, and committed to creating a safe environment where individuals can explore and grow into their most authentic selves and lead more fulfilling, joyful lives. Tori believes that everyone wants, needs, and deserves to love and be loved, to listen and be listened to, and that the therapeutic relationship is paramount in facilitating change. They emphasize client autonomy during each session and meet clients where they are while serving as a guide and source of support.

Tori has an MSW from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. Prior to Brave Talk, Tori worked in community mental health and as a community organizer with the Community Action Agency in Missouri. They were also involved with the MICA Project (Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project). Tori believes that mental healthcare is a basic human right that should be built into and available in all communities. They offer free gender-affirming surgery letter-writing services and follow the Standards of Care set forth by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).

Outside of work you...

I love spending time with my family—we enjoy eating good food, listening and dancing to good music, and getting outdoors as much as possible. I love to travel, read fiction and nonfiction books, and spend quality time with friends. I am engaged in local and national mutual aid efforts and am passionate about abolition, LGBTQ liberation, and community accountability.

Pronouns: They/them