Nicole Bermensolo, LMFT + 2
Message from Nicole
The therapeutic process has the ability to transform. I am living proof of this. At my lowest point, I was anxious, depressed, suicidal, and trapped in addictions. With the help of a skilled therapist, I was able to come out of this darkness - inspiring me to leave the business world in order to help others who are suffering. I believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance to overcome trauma and abuse and live a rich, full, and satisfying life. I believe that we can change and grow at any time in our lives. I believe in the beauty, resiliency, and strength of the human spirit. I believe that we are all worthy and capable of love. I see children and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, strains in romantic and family relationships, low self-esteem and body image, unhealthy coping habits, and grief and loss. I specialize in helping clients navigate through different life transitions, including birth, divorce, parenting, job/profession changes, and sobriety. My particular areas of focus include: attachment therapy, helping children and their parents deal with co-parenting, divorce and/or blended families; healing from narcissistic abuse in parental/romantic relationships; stabilizing in recovery from alcohol and other substances. I also have extensive experience in dealing with domestic abuse in its many forms.
About Nicole's practice
Weekends After 5pm
Weekends 9am - 5pm
Weekdays After 5pm
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
Weekdays Before 9am
$$$
Sliding scale
Directive
Reflective
Body-based
In-person available: No
Virtual available: Yes
Addiction and Substance Use
Anxiety
Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Personality Disorders
Family Dynamics
Domestic Violence
Career-Related Stress
Out of network providers
CA
Why state matters
Get to Know Nicole
"Knowing Nicole in a professional capacity is inspiring! She is a caring, dedicated and skilled therapist. If you are looking to increase your well-being with the help of a therapist - contact Nicole. If you are dealing with relationship problems, depression or anxiety or you want to foster a more loving relationship with your self, increase your self-esteem and/or develop a more positive relationship with food and body image - With Nicole you will be in excellent hands."
Gina K., Colleague
"It's an absolute pleasure to recommend Nicole as a therapist. She's extremely knowledgeable, and has a kind, warm presence you can feel from the minute you meet her. She provides supportive care designed to help you understand deep family issues and move beyond older wounds. But she also helps you heal from more present issues, like anxiety and depression. I'm sure you'll find she's the therapist for you. Five stars all the way."
Jane K., Client
"Nicole helped me - to put it in her words - "fully step into" my life, after helping me escape from a very unhealthy relationship with a narcissistic partner. If I hadn't moved overseas (a huge life decision that her sessions assisted with immensely), I would have continued my weekly sessions with her indefinitely for my overall mental health. Highly, highly recommended!"
Gloria D., Client
"I saw Nicole after a particularly intense breakup when I was struggling to reorient myself while dealing w/a tenuous living situation and difficult (but rewarding) job. She was amazing. A complete joy to speak to. She met me where I was emotionally and logically rather than trying to force me to conform to her world view (an issue I had with previous therapists and counsellors). Her empathy and care felt tangible and created a safe space for me to share and feel heard/understood. Honestly, if I had the money I'd continue to see her weekly for the rest of my life. Just a great addition to my overall wellbeing even after the initial issue was addressed."
Steve S., Client
"I have worked with Nicole for several years now, and have the utmost respect and appreciation for her in her practice. I find her communication style to be warm when needed, funny when appropriate, diligent in timing, and direct when most helpful. I consider her one of my more helpful resources in life, and would highly recommend her to anyone in need of guidance, support, continuity, or change."
Bonnie R., Client
What is unique about the work you do, or how have you found your work to be different than your colleagues'?
I put my heart and soul into my work. I think that's the major difference between me and other therapists. As such, I tend to be quite available outside of sessions for text/phone support, and I'm also very flexible with scheduling.
What is the best part of the work for you?
I don't consider this a job - I consider being a therapist as my life's work. It gives purpose and meaning to the struggles I've gone through in my own life. I very nearly wasn't sitting here today! I am very passionate about helping others out of the darkness just as a therapist once helped me.
Do you have experience (5-10 years+) working with any types of obstacles or people in particular?
Emotional and Physical Abuse Whether it was at the hands of a narcissistic parent or abusive partner, I specialize in helping clients overcome trauma resulting from interpersonal relationships. Using a combination of EMDR and talk therapy, we work together to calm that ever-present sense of uneasiness, regain a feeling of safety, and learn to trust in your own judgement. I am living proof that you can overcome abuse and trauma to live a rich and fulfilling life on your own terms. Sobriety and Recovery As an individual in long-term recovery, I intimately understand the challenges of getting and staying sober from alcohol and other substances. Loss of friends and your social circle, persistent feelings of isolation, and finding new means of coping with difficult situations, emotions, and stress are just a few of the issues I tackle with clients in recovery. I am uniquely equipped to help both newly sober individuals as well as those in long-term recovery. Children and Families If being a parent in today's world is difficult, being a kid is near impossible. I am passionate about working with children and adolescents in close collaboration with parents and care-givers to assist in a myriad of issues, including anxiety, depression, school avoidance, bullying, self-esteem, divorce, co-parenting, and trauma. I utilize a unique combination of interactive play therapy, relational therapy, and EMDR (if appropriate) in order to give your child the most effective therapy experience.
How participatory are you during sessions?
My sessions tend to be collaborative conversations. I listen carefully when needed, offer feedback when needed, and help identify patterns and coping strategies when needed.