Trauma & Addiction Therapy in San Rafael, CA
Understanding your pain is the first step toward healing
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A no-pressure call to ask questions, share what you’re seeking, and see if working together feels right.
Trauma Shapes the Way We Cope
When addiction is a response to trauma
Many people don’t realize how closely trauma and addiction are connected. What might look like self-destructive behavior is often a deeply human response to pain, an attempt to soothe overwhelming emotions, regulate a dysregulated nervous system, or escape the weight of experiences that were too much to carry alone.
Addiction is not a character flaw. It’s not about willpower or weakness. It’s about survival.
Trauma, too, isn’t only defined by what happened to you. It’s also shaped by what you had to endure in isolation emotional pain, fear, shame, or grief without support.
Whether your trauma is rooted in childhood experiences, relational wounds, systemic injustice, sudden loss, or events that left you feeling powerless, the imprint can remain long after the event itself. That imprint often lives in the body, shaping how you think, feel, and relate to others. You may find yourself stuck in cycles of anxiety, disconnection, or self-judgment, and turning to substances or compulsive behaviors may have been the only way you knew how to cope.
In Therapy, We Might Explore
- How your nervous system responds to stress and safety
- What emotions show up and how to welcome them
- The inner voice that criticizes or protects you
- New ways to regulate, cope, and care for yourself
“There’s no one right way to heal, we’ll find what works for you.”
What You Don’t Have to Do Here
- Explain everything at once. You can share at your own pace.
- Have a clear “why” for what you’re feeling. It’s okay not to have all the answers.
- Be fixed or perform healing. You don’t have to prove anything here.
- Move faster than your body or heart are ready for
“You don’t need to have it all together—we’ll go at a pace that feels right for you.”
Therapy Experiences Shared
How therapy can help
In therapy, we don’t shame the coping strategies that helped you survive. We honor them. They were creative, resourceful responses to pain.
And when you’re ready, we begin the gentle work of healing:
- Understanding the impact of trauma on your nervous system and behaviors
- Building new ways to feel safe in your body and in relationships
- Processing unresolved experiences in a supportive, nonjudgmental space
- Reclaiming your sense of agency, trust, and connection
My approach is rooted in trauma-informed care and compassion. We’ll move at your pace. Sometimes that means calming a nervous system stuck in survival mode. Other times, it means making room for your story, your grief, your joy, your complexity.
The goal isn’t just symptom relief. It’s helping you feel more fully alive, more aligned with yourself, and more connected to your truth.
Healing takes time, it unfolds with care, patience, and the right support.
Therapy Experiences Shared
Real words shared by real people
These honest reflections come from clients who found strength, clarity, and healing through our work together. Their words offer a glimpse into the transformative power of feeling truly supported and understood in therapy.
She is skilled in what she does and is incredibly relatable and authentic. She is not afraid to ask important questions that get you to the heart of the issue, all while being a sensitive and supportive ally. People love working with her.
I’ve worked with many therapists over the past 30 years, but none have had the profound impact Nicole has. She’s guided me through addiction, trauma, and loss with rare expertise and a steady, compassionate presence. Because of her, I’ve uncovered the roots of my struggles, made healthier choices, and found lasting sobriety. If you’re ready for real change, Nicole is the therapist you want by your side.
Nicole's commitment to her work and her compassionate, nonjudgmental approach have positively impacted many clients. I would refer any client to her without hesitation! She is skillful at holding space and supporting clients through the toughest of times.