About Me
My name is Nicole, but you can call me Nico.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2014 and a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2017 - both from Santa Clara University.
My clinical training began at the YWCA Silicon Valley, where I completed specialized training on domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault. During that time, I worked with children and teens in local schools and adults at the YWCA clinic. It was a transformative experience for me, and I’m proud of the progress many of my clients made during our time together. Seeing their resilience and growth continues to inspire my work today.
I completed a one-year Post-Master’s Fellowship at Kaiser Permanente in Roseville, CA, where I worked with adults in both the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Adult Outpatient clinic. I led therapy groups on topics including letting go, self-compassion, thought patterns, anxiety and depression. I co-led a four-week Self-Compassion group. Curious about any of these topics? Feel free to ask me more!
I then worked at Two Chairs in San Francisco providing completely virtual individual therapy to adults before deciding to open my own practice. I’ve been in private practice since 2021!
I’ve worked with clients navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family dynamics, trauma, grief, personality disorders, and identity or life transitions. I also help individuals who are simply seeking deeper self-exploration and personal growth.
Whether you’re struggling with a specific issue or seeking personal growth, I’m here to support you.
Who am I outside of being a therapist?
Outside of therapy, I love to spend time with my family, friends and my two cats (Goose and Barrel). I am an avid reader and Netflix-binger. I can sometimes be convinced to go for a run or hike if the conditions are just right.
“The most beautiful people I have known are those who have known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
— Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Who am I as a therapist? What will it be like doing therapy with me?
I became a therapist because I believe in the human capacity for change. We all have the ability to grow and evolve, and I find deep meaning in supporting people as they create the changes that can shape the rest of their lives. So, let me ask you - what would you like to be different in your life?
I see therapy as a partnership. It’s not something I do to you; it’s something we do together. We’ll work side by side to figure out what you need and how to help you reach your goals – whatever those might be.
For some, therapy is about wanting to simply “feel better.” But what does that really mean for you? We’ll explore that together. What does “better” look like? How will you know when you’ve reached it?
For others, it’s about self-discovery - getting to know yourself on a deeper level, figuring out what kind of life you want, or how to show up as the most authentic version of yourself.
Sometimes therapy is focused on more specific challenges:
Feeling stuck
Anxiety
Grief
Naviating relationships
Balancing work and life
Exploring values, identity or sexuality
There are no right or wrong reasons to reach out for therapy. Being human can be incredibly hard. But it’s also beautiful - especially when you begin to figure out what it all means for you.
In our work together, I’ll be a supportive companion on your journey of self-discovery. Sometimes I’ll be your guide, offering direction when things feel uncertain. Sometimes I’ll be a sounding board, helping you process your thoughts and emotions. And at times, I’ll bring my expertise to offer insights and tools you can use in your everyday life. But ultimately, this process is about you.
I’m here to be your safety net while we figure out what shifts will help you live a more authentic, satisfying and fulfilling life.
Finding the right therapist is an important step, and I know it can feel overwhelming. Let’s connect and see if we would be a good fit to work together!
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
— Maya Angelou
Areas of Focus
Anxiety
Depression
Family dynamics
Life transitions
Work-life balance
Burnout
Coping skills
Mood disorders
Relationship issues/dynamics
Grief and loss
Stress
Trauma
Sexuality
Identity
Self-compassion
Personal growth
Experience and Education
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Two Chairs, San Francisco CA
Post-Master’s Fellow Associate MFT at Kaiser Permanente Intensive Outpatient Program and Adult Outpatient Program, Roseville CA
Associate MFT at YWCA Silicon Valley, San Jose CA
Trainee MFT at YWCA Silicon Valley, San Jose CA
Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Santa Clara University, CA
BS in Psychology at Santa Clara University, CA