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 an addiction to alcohol and Adderall. With the help of a skilled therapist, I was able to come out of this darkness - inspiring me to leave a successful business 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 everyone can change and grow at any time in their lives. I don't believe that there is a limit to human capacity. I believe we are all deserving of unconditional love. I hold the hope for my clients when they are drowning in hopelessness. I approach my life and my work through a feminist, anti-oppression, anti-racist, and body-positive perspective. I am passionate about animal rescue and shelter pets. If any of this resonates with you, please shoot me a message and let's find a time to connect.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Children, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Languages: Japanese
Treatment Approach
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Play Therapy Uses toys, games, and creative play to help children express emotions. It is especially useful when children can’t fully verbalize their feelings.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
Approach Description: I approach my life and my work through a feminist, anti-oppression, anti-racist, and body-positive perspective. My job as your therapist is to help you find the right resources, both in your community and within yourself, to help you experience the challenges of life in a way that ultimately empowers you and builds your innate resilience.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $190
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I offer some sliding scale slots each week for clients who demonstrate a need for a lower fee (for a set period of time).
- Out of Network
Education & Credentials
Nicole Bermensolo M.A., AMFT
- Female
- License # 141779
- Licensed in California
- Practicing Since 2019
Education: I completed my Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Originally from the New York City area, I hold a BA from Georgetown University and speak Japanese fluently, having lived in Tokyo for several years.
Nicole Bermensolo Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Santa Monica, CA and San Francisco, CA 94122
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: All sessions are conducted via telehealth on the HIPAA-compliant platform, Zoom.
I have had the privilege of working with children, adults, couples, and families of diverse cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, religions, and gender spectrums. I love the work I do and find it fulfilling, meaningful and beautiful. I feel grateful for the people that trust in me and allow me into their lives. I seek to establish a trusting, accepting, and collaborative relationship with my clients to support them in navigating life's many challenges.
My primary aim in my work is to meet my clients "where they are" by tuning in to their unique concerns and creating an atmosphere where they feel acknowledged and at ease. Working together, with awareness of your unique family dynamics and the cultural, political, and other contextual factors at play, we aim to alleviate your unnecessary suffering, improve your capacity for love, work, and pleasure, and empower you to provide the best care for yourself and your loved ones. My particular areas of focus include: helping children and their parents deal with acrimonious 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/violence in its many forms. I also have a deep appreciation that we all have inner strengths, even if unknown or untapped at the moment.