About Me

Compassionate Support Rooted in Experience and Culture

Let’s take the first step together. Book a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit.

🌱 My Approach to Therapy

I believe in the power of healing and the incredible capacity each person has for growth. My work is grounded in collaboration, compassion, and hope. Together, we’ll uncover your strengths and nurture your resilience, whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, loss, or life transitions.

🧑‍⚕️ Who do I Work With?

My clients often include:

• Survivors of complex trauma (sexual assault, intimate partner violence, trafficking, homelessness)
• Immigrants (first- and second-generation)
• People of mixed cultural and racial backgrounds
• Individuals navigating intersectional identities

I offer support for:

• Trauma (big and small events) & PTSD
• Anxiety, depression, and persistent worry
• Grief and life transitions
• Self-esteem and relational boundaries
• Experiences of racism or discrimination
• Communication challenges and feeling “stuck”

“No matter your situation, it doesn’t have to stay that way. I’m here to help you move forward.”

🎓 Credentials And Experience

Education

• M.S.W. – Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, Baylor University
• M.Div. – George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
• B.A. Electronic Engineering – Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali, Colombia

Licensure & Certification

• Certified Association Executive (CAE) from ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
• EMDR Certified Therapist & Approved Consultant – EMDRIA
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor – Texas (#54183)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker – California (#71972)

✍️Publications & Contributions

My academic work includes:

• 2025 – Fee, J. L., Urdaneta Melo, V., & Kaufman, S. (2025, May). Self-Care Strategies for Nagivating Difficult Conversations. Go With That Magazine, 30(2), 36-41.
• Urdaneta, V. (2025, January 24). Navigating Political Changes and Complex Situations in EMDR Therapy. Focal Point Blog. EMDR International Association.
• 2024 – Urdaneta, V. (2024, October 25). Political and Social Stress and EMDR Therapy. Focal Point Blog. EMDR International Association
• Fee, J. L., Urdaneta Melo, V., Kaufman, S. (2024, August). Can I Do EMDR with My Client with Suicidal Ideation? Go With That Magazine, 29(3), 24-32.
• Urdaneta Melo, V., Fee, J. L., & Kaufman, S. (2024, August). EMDR Therapy with Suicide Loss Survivors. Go With That Magazine, 29(3), 44-52.
• 2023 – EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol – Ongoing Traumatic Stress (IGTP‑OTS)
• Urdaneta Melo, V., & Triana, V. (2023). EMDR integrative group treatment protocol‑ongoing traumatic stress (EMDR IGTP‑OTS). In R. M. Robinson & S. K. Kaptan (Eds.), EMDR group therapy: Emerging principles and protocols for trauma and beyond (cp. Chapter 4). Springer Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826152954.0004
• Urdaneta, V. (2023). Ten tips for using EMDR Therapy with survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. Go With That Magazine, 28(2), 26–30.
• Urdaneta, V. (2023, November 20). EMDR Therapy and Intergenerational Trauma. Focal Point Blog. EMDR International Association.
• 2022 – Urdaneta, V. (2022, August 24). Back to class: EMDR Therapy and College/University Students. Focal Point Blog. EMDR International Association.
• Urdaneta, V. (2022). EMDR Therapy and Consultation with an Intercultural Approach. In M. Luber (Ed.), Cultural competence and healing culturally based trauma with EMDR therapy (2nd ed., Chapter 9). Springer Publishing.
• Urdaneta, V., & Triana, V. (2022). Cultural and treatment considerations when using EMDR therapy with Latinx clients. In M. Luber (Ed.), Cultural competence and healing culturally based trauma with EMDR therapy (2nd ed., Chapter 12). Springer Publishing.
• 2021 – Urdaneta, V., & Triana, V. (2021). Playful and creative approaches for EMDR therapy with Latinx children. In A. Gomez & K. M. Gomez (Eds.), EMDR with children in the play therapy room: An integrated approach (Chapter 7). Springer Publishing.
• 2020 – Urdaneta, V. (2020). Engage in the conversation of race and racism with “Hot Chocolate and Cheese.” Go With That Magazine, 25(3), 18–22.
• 2018 – Harris, H., Urdaneta, V., Triana, V., Vo, C. S., Walden, D., & Myers, D. (2018). A pilot study with Spanish-speaking Latina survivors of domestic violence comparing EMDR and TF-CBT group interventions. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 6(10), 104–117. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2018.611015 

🧠 Advanced Training

The specialized training I’ve completed includes:

• Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics
• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Utilizing Cultural and Community Strengths to End Domestic Violence
• Feelings State Addiction Protocol
• Successful Project Management
• Circle Training from Restorative Justice Practices
• DeTUR – Protocol for Desensitization of Triggers and Urges to work with addictions and compulsive behaviors
• EMDR with dissociative disorders – The progressive approach
• Imaginal Nurturing – Working with attachment
• EMDR with Complex Trauma and Dissociative Personality Structure
• Global Summit Conference – EMDR Early Intervention and Crisis Response
• Global Summit – Interventions for Interpersonal Violence
• EMDR 2.0 and Interventions for Complex Trauma
• Paths to End Racism
• Narrative Therapy
• Working with Parents in an EMDR Systematic Approach

🤝 Let’s Connect

Ready to take the first step?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit.