I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of California with experience in providing counseling to adults for approximately 6 years in a variety of settings including inpatient, residential, and outpatient. Currently, I am the Director for a residential mental health clinic specializing in acute mental illness and co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance use). The primary issues that I have the most experience in are depression, anxiety, stress, major life transitions, and self-esteem/confidence.
My treatment approach can be summed up with this: I will meet you where you are at. If you want to start slow and see if therapy is right for you, I am on board. Alternatively, if you want to jump right into therapy from the first session, I can do that too. I know that effective therapy requires a different journey for everyone and I am here to guide you on this path.
With that being said, it's my job to help you think differently and challenge you. I am here to help inspire change within yourself, but you have to be willing to put in some work. I like to compare therapy to a coach/player relationship - similar to a coach, I am here to help guide you and give suggestions. But it's up to the player (you!) to implement the strategies if you want to see change.
I am looking forward to getting to know you and building a trusting, nonjudgmental, and beneficial relationship.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Attachment issues, Avoidant Personality, Dependent Personality, Emptiness, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Postpartum Depression, Self-love, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
AZ Psychologist PSY-005314
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Stephanie Nicolai. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Dr Niolai has been very helpful during the few months we've worked on my problem areas. The balance of suggestions and online worksheets/homework has been ideal. As they say on Ebay, "Highly recommended!"
Written on Aug 17, 2020 after therapy with Stephanie for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and sleeping disorders