"Growth often begins when we allow ourselves to sit with discomfort in a safe space."
Nicole dao
ADVANCED CLINICAL FELLOW
all about nicole
Nicole believes the best therapy begins with feeling genuinely understood. She creates a warm, authentic, and collaborative space where clients can put down the pressure to have everything figured out and instead show up exactly as they are. Nicole knows that reaching out for therapy can feel vulnerable, which is why she prioritizes building a relationship rooted in trust, honesty, and compassion. Her goal is to help clients not only navigate life's challenges but also build a life that feels more aligned with who they truly are.
Nicole is especially passionate about working with women and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, body image concerns, eating disorders, trauma, relationship challenges, identity exploration, and life transitions. She understands how overwhelming it can feel when self-doubt, perfectionism, or painful past experiences begin to shape the way you see yourself or move through the world. Together, Nicole helps her clients develop greater self-compassion, healthier coping strategies, and the confidence to make meaningful changes that extend far beyond the therapy room.
how she works
Her therapeutic approach is thoughtful, integrative, and tailored to each client's unique needs. Nicole draws from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care while also incorporating insight-oriented work when appropriate. She believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy and values meeting each client where they are, selecting interventions that best support their goals, personality, and stage of healing.
Nicole's clinical interests have been shaped by experiences supporting children, adolescents, adult and families across behavioral health, crisis intervention, and community mental health settings. As a Registered Behavior Technician, she has worked closely with children and families to strengthen emotional regulation, communication, and adaptive coping skills. She has also provided crisis support to youth and parents through a statewide crisis helpline and co-facilitated support groups for incarcerated mothers, deepening her appreciation for the ways relationships, identity, trauma, and systemic experiences influence mental health.
Get to know me
Family
One thing you couldn't live without
Coming home to my dog
Something that always makes you smile
❤️
Most used emoji
The beach
Where is your happy place?
Teleportation (because my sense of time is occasionally optimistic)
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Making my bed and, most importantly, having my iced coffee
Morning routine
Getting into bed early and prioritizing a good night’s sleep
What do you do to de-stress?
Creating a to-do list and enjoying the satisfaction of checking things off as I go.
How do you set yourself up for a successful week?
Australia!!
Favorite place you have traveled
A Sunday reset to do laundry, get groceries, exercise, and help ease the Sunday scaries.
Rituals
Humanistic, Interpersonal, Motivational Interviewing, Relational
THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES
