About Me
My name is Nicole, but you can call me Nico.
I attended Santa Clara University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2014. I then got my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Santa Clara University in 2017.
I completed my graduate school training and first year post-graduate at the YWCA Silicon Valley in San Jose, CA. I completed a 65-hour training on domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault. I gained experience working with children and teenagers at local elementary and public schools and adults in the YWCA clinic. I look back at my experiences with many of those clients with fondness, and the progress and growth I saw so many of them make fuels my hope for future clients.
I completed a one-year Post-Master’s Fellowship at Kaiser Permanente in Roseville, CA. While at Kaiser, I worked in the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Adult Outpatient clinic. I led groups on topics including letting go, self-compassion, thought patterns, anxiety and depression. I co-led a four-week Self-Compassion group. Interested in any of these subjects? Ask me about them.
I most recently worked at Two Chairs in San Francisco providing completely virtual individual therapy to adults. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family dynamics, trauma, grief, personality disorders, life transitions, COVID-related issues and general self-exploration.
Who am I outside of being a therapist?
Outside of therapy, I love to spend time with my family, friends, cats and dog. 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. I took up painting during COVID and have found that to be an enjoyably challenging pastime.
“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 ability to change. I am passionate about this because the changes you make can impact the rest of your life. What would you like to have different in your life?
I view therapy as a partnership. You and I will work together to help you meet your goals – whatever those might be.
For some, it might be to “feel better.” We can figure out what that means – how will we know when we feel better? What does it look like when we feel better?
Others are looking to get to know themselves better, to figure out what kind of life they want or how to be their most authentic version of themselves.
For some it is addressing more specific needs, such as anxiety, sadness, feeling stuck, work-life balance, relationships, sexuality, exploring values, self-exploration, grief…
There are no right or wrong reasons to reach out for therapy. It can feel incredibly difficult to be human, but it is a beautiful thing to figure out what that means to you.
It is your journey of self-discovery where I am an enthusiastic and supportive companion. Sometimes I will be the guide, sometimes I will be the “expert,” sometimes I’m the sounding board – but at the end of the day, we are both bringing a lot to the table.
This is your life and I view my role to be your safety net while we figure out what it is that we want to shift for you to live your most authentic, satisfying and fulfilling life.
There is a lot to consider when looking for the “right fit” therapist for you. Reach out and let’s 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