Kristen Nichols, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Kristen!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I specialize in military and veterans' mental health in addition to children, youth, and families during my graduate studies. I have worked in a wide variety of settings, including elementary schools, family law, dependency, and foster care.

My focus

Do you struggle in relationships with the same arguments or emotional triggers? These patterns are rooted in our attachment history and reflect unresolved trauma. Together, we work to rewire your nervous system to live your life to the fullest!

My approach

My approach to therapy is trauma-informed and attachment-focused. I help children, adults, and families understand how stress and trauma impact their behavior and relationships. Therapy with me combines insight, practical skills, and the deeper work to live your life to the fullest.

My communication style

I prioritize clear, open communication to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

My journey to mental healthcare

After having my children, I made the choice to leave the world of sales and enter the helping profession. I have my Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work. I have a military and law enforcement background within my family, and familiar with the stressors that come from being a First Responder.

My goals for you

I work with clients to develop attainable goals to see improvements in their daily lives, as well as focus on resetting their nervous systems to increase their capacity to deal with stressful life events.

Our first session

During your first session, expect to share a little about yourself and your goals. If you have been in therapy before, what were the approaches you appreciated as well as those that you did not?

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Christian

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

EMDR

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Attachment-based

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Mindfulness-Based

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Trust-Based Relational Intervention

+ 9 more

Focus populations

Military/Veterans

Police/Fire/First Responders

Single Mother

+ 3 more

Therapy types

Couples Therapy
Individual Therapy

Ages served

Minors
Preteens
Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

USC PPO / EPO Plan
Aetna
Allied
Ascension-SmartHealth
Create

+ 11 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) Children, Youth and Families from Military Concentration - University of Southern California.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Kristen Nichols