Hi, my name is Nicole Perata. I have three beliefs and two quotes that inspire and assist me in navigating through life's challenges. First, I believe most individuals are in search of the same things: happiness, health, safety, and a sense of kinship. What differs are the diverse ways we all choose to reach those goals. Secondly, relationships are not linear so what is true today may not be true tomorrow including our intrapersonal experience. Thirdly, the word EMOTION stands for Energy in Motion, meaning it is up to me where I want to allocate and use my energy.

Last, but certainly not least, are these two quotes:

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"Don't let the disparaging remarks of a myopic individual control your life. Life is short, Appreciate it " -Abhysheq Shuklahas

"If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Dr. Maya Angelou.

These five golden nuggets of wisdom encapsulate my yin and yang. They describe my, and many others’, struggle of wanting control and the need to let go. These “nuggets of wisdom” have facilitated me with my own personal and professional introspection, which has empowered my personal and professional growth and development.

Currently, I am a Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW), with my sights on becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I earned my masters degree in 2014 from the University of Southern California.​

I do not believe one therapy fits all. Instead, I regularly blend several different therapies to aid clients in reaching their therapeutic goals. I am passionate about psychoeducation for clients regarding their mental health conditions, including causes, neurobiological effects, treatment, prognosis, and finding how to live and thrive with their new normal.

The evidence-based therapies I practice are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), and Family Therapy. These evidence-based practices are effective in treating many different mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use, post-traumatic stress disorder, and partner/domestic abuse. Some of the therapeutic tools I find helpful include cognitive restructuring, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness/self- awareness, boundary setting, evoking change, psychological flexibility, and emphasizing client autonomy.

I educate clients on various forms of yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, and essential oils that aid in managing the parasympathetic system. I have worked with clients from a wide range of socioeconomic statuses, races, ethnicities, cultures, LGBTQIA+, binary and non-binary persons, unaccompanied minors, and adults up to 50 years of age. I offer therapy in Spanish and English.

​My goal is to create a safe place where the client feels welcomed, respected, and comfortable to begin their journey of self-examination and find their life worth living. I am exuberant over therapy because I wholeheartedly believe that if you can name it and understand it (the mental health condition) then you can claim it. Oh, look at that another golden nugget.