Nick Tomasello (he/him)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #141543

Training Coordinator

SERVICES I OFFER

In-office and virtual sessions for:

• Individual therapy (teens, young adults)

• Parent support therapy

SPECIALTIES AND FOCUS AREAS

• Depression

• Identity Exploration

• LGB+ and TGNB specific issues, including but not limited to: coming out, transitioning, relationships (with family, friends, partners), backlash, discrimination, gender and sexuality exploration

• Life transitions

• Social / communication skills

MY APPROACH

I practice therapy primarily from a client-centered perspective, meaning that I aim to meet you where you are at, collaborate to identify relevant and meaningful goals for our work together, and pour authenticity and genuineness into our relationship, as I believe this is where much of the healing work takes place. Additionally, I interweave cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and the gender affirmative clinical model into my work. I like to describe my therapeutic style as eclectic; I pull from a variety of theories, models, and practices to tailor a unique and personalized therapy experience that is best for you, and if something doesn't feel right, we can work together to find what does. I also enjoy integrating mindfulness into my therapy, with everything from meditations to practicing grounding, awareness, and presence.

I have a passion and specialty in working with and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically trans, non-binary, and gender expansive youth in navigating coming out, their transition process, exploring the inherent shifts in their relationships, and processing the backlash, discrimination, and hate that is lamentably a component to this experience for so many people.

ABOUT ME

I believe an important aspect of who I am is my identity, part of which includes being a straight, white, cisgender male. These are dominant group memberships which have played a challenging historical role in our society, and I believe strongly that bringing this into the therapy room is crucial to acknowledge. In doing so, this helps me approach my therapy in a culturally humble way, as well as creates opportunities for corrective emotional and relational experiences by having different and distinct interactions that are restorative and healing.

Aside from therapy, I have copious other passions, including playing video and board games, pool, cats, manatees, and the occasional, slightly strenuous hike. I highly value time spent with my close friends enjoying each other's company, mutually shared interests, as well as learning and growing together. I am a huge foodie and eating delectable food is one of the main ways that I practice self-care.

THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES I AM TRAINED TO USE

• Client-centered therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (trauma-informed)

• Crisis Intervention

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in the LGBT community from Santa Clara University

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Sonoma State University (2016)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Therapist and Training Coordinator at Teen Therapy Center

• Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at Family and Children Services, a division of Caminar

• Taught and tutored children and teenagers with various learning challenges

• Sexual assault crisis line counselor and survivor advocate with Verity

OTHER AREAS OF CONCERN I WORK WITH

• Anxiety (general, social)

• Attention problems / ADHD

• Body image

• Loneliness and shyness

• Perfectionism

• Procrastination and motivation