Vanessa Downing, PhD, PCC is a licensed psychologist and executive coach who blends deep clinical expertise with a passion for leadership development. She earned her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and holds certification from the International Coaching Federation.
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Dr. Downing began her career as a cardiovascular psychologist, collaborating with high-performing multidisciplinary teams. These early experiences ignited a lasting commitment to the well-being of physicians, healthcare professionals, and leaders navigating high-stakes change and crisis.
In 2017, she co-founded one of the nation’s first hospital-based centers dedicated to advancing systemwide well-being initiatives for healthcare workers. As Director of the Center for WorkLife Wellbeing, she led efforts to integrate empirically grounded well-being practices into organizational strategy and culture. Under her leadership, the center provided national consultation, mentorship, and education—training psychologists, supporting healthcare leaders, and driving innovative, grant-funded research to improve psychological care for clinicians.
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In 2021, Dr. Downing founded Congruence Coaching & Consultation to broaden her impact across industries. She now partners with leaders in healthcare, academia, startups, media, and beyond—supporting everyone from physician leaders to entrepreneurs. Her coaching focuses on amplifying emotional intelligence, cultivating executive presence, and navigating complex professional landscapes with clarity and confidence.
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Dr. Downing is certified in the Hogan Assessment and the Group Development Questionnaire. She also serves on the faculty of an ICF-accredited coach training program, where she prepares clinicians and professionals to become high impact coaches. Her approach is grounded in psychological science, yet deeply practical—translating evidence-based strategies into real-world leadership success.
“Dr. Downing helps people with people. She helps
people better manage themselves and get better outcomes.”
