Services Nick Offers

Virtual sessions in California for:

• Individual therapy for teens and young adults around ages 15-24
• Parent support therapy

In-person sessions offered in the Sacramento area coming soon

Specialties & Focus Areas

My core specialties include:

• Depression
• Identity Exploration
• LGBTQ+ and TGNB specific issues, including but not limited to: coming out, transitioning, relationship dynamics (with family, friends, partners), backlash, discrimination, gender and sexuality exploration
• Life transitions
• General anxiety
• Social anxiety
• Social / communication skills

About Nick

I am a board-certified Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with an eagerness and zeal for supporting individuals on their journey toward growth and healing. I specialize in working with teens and those that identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community. I have a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and am licensed to practice therapy in California both in person and via telehealth.

I practice therapy primarily from a client-centered perspective, meaning that I aim to meet you where you are at, collaborate to identify relevant and meaningful goals for our work together, and pour authenticity and genuineness into our relationship. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is where much of the healing work takes place. Additionally, I interweave cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and the gender affirmative clinical model into my work. I like to describe my therapeutic style as eclectic; I pull from a variety of theories, models, and practices to tailor a unique and personalized therapy experience that is best for you, and if something doesn’t feel right, we can work together to find what does. I also enjoy integrating mindfulness into my therapy, with everything from meditations to practicing grounding, awareness, and presence.

I have a passion and specialty in working with and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically trans, non-binary, and gender expansive youth in navigating coming out, their transition process, exploring the inherent shifts in their relationships, and processing the backlash, discrimination, and hate that is lamentably a component of this experience for so many people. I have also supported many of my clients in receiving medically affirming procedures, such as hormones or surgeries, by advocating with their providers and writing letters of support.

I believe an important aspect of who I am is my identity, part of which includes being a straight, white, cisgender male. These are dominant group memberships which have played a challenging historical role in our society, and I believe strongly that bringing this into the therapy room is crucial to acknowledge. In doing so, this helps me approach my therapy in a culturally humble way, as well as creates opportunities for corrective emotional and relational experiences by having different and distinct interactions that are restorative and healing.

Who Nick Works With

I provide therapy for:

• Teens (approx. ages 15–18)
• Young adults (18–24)
• Parents seeking support in helping their teen

Identity, Cultural Humility, & the Therapy Space

I’m intentional about acknowledging the role my identity plays in the therapeutic relationship. As a straight, white, cisgender man, I recognize these identities come with historical weight and power dynamics that impact how clients may feel in the room. By naming this openly, I create opportunities for:

• Culturally humble dialogue
• Corrective emotional experiences
• Transparency and trust
• A more authentic therapeutic connection

What It’s Like to Work With Nick

I like to be open and forthcoming, bringing my genuine and authentic self to every session. My goal is to be someone relatable to you rather than someone who is veiled or mysterious. Finding common experiences and sharing in the delight of your passions is something that is important to me.

In our work together, you can expect:

• A focus on your holistic self, not just the “problems.”
• A blend of humor with realism.
• A use of metaphor and imagery to simplify complex concepts.
• A space where “I don’t know” is an acceptable and welcome answer.
• A compassionate push to explore the hard stuff.
• A collaborative approach where you are the expert on your own experience.

Education and Certifications

• Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in supporting the LGBT community from Santa Clara University (2021)
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Sonoma State University (2016)

Therapeutic Approach

I practice primarily from a client-centered perspective, meaning I see the client as the expert in their own experiences. I pull from multiple modalities to create an approach that fits each person:

• Gender-Affirmative Clinical Model
• Mindfulness
• Motivational Interviewing
• Client-Centered Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Trauma-Informed)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Crisis Intervention

Work Experience

• Therapist at Thrive Hive Counseling (2025-present)
• Therapist and Training Coordinator at Teen Therapy Center (2021-2025)
• Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at Family and Children Services, a division of Caminar (2020-2021)
• Taught and tutored children and teenagers with various learning challenges (2016-2018)
• Sexual assault crisis line counselor and survivor advocate with Verity (2016)

Life Outside the Therapy Room

I bring creativity and joy to both my personal and professional life. Outside of sessions, you can find me:

• Playing video games and tabletop/board games
• Enjoying time with my cat (and manatees, his favorite animal)
• Going on slightly strenuous hikes
• Spending quality time with close friends
• Exploring new restaurants as a devoted foodie

Other Areas of Concern I Work With

I also work with individuals navigating:

• Relationship problems
• School avoidance
• Self-esteem
• Self-harm and suicidal ideation
• Stress and stress management
• Sports anxiety
• Attention problems / ADHD
• Body image
• Loneliness and shyness
• Perfectionism
• Procrastination and motivation