Grace Nichols, MA, LMFT #109372

Certified Hakomi Therapist

 

Therapy Approach

My counseling philosophy is rooted in a Relational & Attachment approach, heavily influenced by Feminist Psychotherapy and Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy. My practice is informed through the lens of Cultural Diversity.

 

My technique is flexible and shifts to accommodate each client’s unique needs. The counseling room is a healing and safe space, free of judgment. All emotions and thoughts are welcome. As therapist and client, we use the emotions, thoughts, and somatic (physical) experiences that come up to help us further understand the client’s process and find healing.

 

 

 

Feminist Psychotherapy

My counseling practice seeks to promote and enhance each individual’s freedom. Feminist psychotherapy focuses specifically on gender equality; seeking to uplift all individuals and equalize the damage that has been done by our current toxically masculine culture. We all suffer from the effects. Feminist psychotherapy exists not only for women, but for every human. It exists so that we may all be free from the damaging and harmful systems or beliefs that keep us stifled, oppressed, and cut off from our humanity.

 

 

 

Relational & Attachment

Many of the struggles you have today are rooted in your current and past relationships. I believe you are made to relate in a satisfying and self-giving manner, and this is likely both the source of your greatest joy but also of your deepest pain. Our work will include exploration of your style of relating and examination into what keeps you from the utmost satisfaction in your life. Through this process you will become more aware, curious, and empowered to act on sought after changes.

 

Additionally, as you enter consistent work with a therapist who feels safe and secure, the relationship created between the two of you also brings about change. Availability, consistency, and non-judgment create new neuropathways in the brain and bring about healing (for more information about this fascinating truth, you may research Attachment Psychotherapy).

 

 

 

Areas of Specialization

• Anxiety and Depression

• Mothering 

• Post-Partum

• Parenting & Co-Parenting

• Disability Acceptance and Adjustment (for individuals, parents, and families)

• Grief and Loss

• Personal Growth & Development

• Body Image

• Disordered Eating

• Relationship Issues

• Spiritual Growth & Exploration

• Women’s Spirituality

• Religious Harm

• Toxic Masculinity

• Systemic Oppression

• Gender Identity and Expression

• Sexual Orientation

• Racial and Cultural Identity

• Trauma and Abuse 

• Young Adult Transitions and Adjustment

• Support for Empaths and Highly Sensitive People

• Support for Caregivers and Individuals in Helping Professions 

• Healing for Healers

 

Certification

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #109372

• Certified Hakomi Therapist

 

Education

• Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology

• Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Seattle Pacific University

 

My Story

In Seattle, I held a successful private practice prior to my move home to the East Bay. Before I opened my private practice in San Ramon, I worked at a counseling center in San Francisco providing counseling to women, men, adolescents, parents, and committed partners. My work there focused on issues of personal growth, healing from trauma, partners and family healing and connection, gender identity, sexual orientation, anti-racism, and spiritual growth. 

 

I have specific training and experience in the following realms: young adult transitions and adjustment, depression and anxiety, mothering and post-partum, parenting children with disabilities, trauma and abuse, gender identity, sexual orientation, spiritual growth, religious harm, and anti-racism. I work with young adults, adult women and men, parents, committed partners, gender non-conforming and trans individuals, families, caregivers, empaths, highly sensitive people, and healers. 

 

Me In Real Life

In my personal life I am a mama, a reader, a nature lover, a yoga student, and an advocate for equity. I believe in holistic health, and do my best to practice this belief by living a mindful, balanced lifestyle.

Cultural Diversity

Many of my clients come from culturally diverse backgrounds; they seek a therapist who is skilled in holding space for processing issues related to culture, race, body size/shape, sexuality, religion, class, and ability. I strive to provide a safe space for clients to process these issues. I am deeply intentional about my own internal and external anti-racism work, and am well-versed in discussing issues of race, class, socioeconomic status, disability, equity, and social justice.

 

 

 

Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy

I strongly believe that change begins at the physical level. Our work will include paying attention to your body’s reactions and sensations, to better learn what your body seeks to communicate with you. I work with my clients to develop simple and accessible mindfulness practices to further expand awareness, acceptance, peace, growth, and wholeness. 

 

Hakomi Method is a mindfulness-based somatic modality that I integrate into my work often. This method integrates the mind-body experience. We focus on building insight and on noticing the experiences clients are having in their bodies as they explore issues. Sometimes, we humans are so thought-driven that we forget to listen to our other senses, such as the body. Alternatively, some people may be exceptionally body-driven, and can use assistance in learning how to communicate experience in words. In therapy, we work on balance, and building healthy internal acceptance and care.