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Welcome! I'm Nicki Bywater, LMFT #39487 (CA). I work with adults and older teens. I tailor my approach toward what works best for you! I'd be happy to work with you in online therapy in the near future.
My approach
I am fairly eclectic in my approach utilizing person-centered, CBT, Trauma-focused, family systems, solution, and short-term solution-focused therapy along with DBT and Mindfulness strategies. I am a Christian therapist and utilize my faith when appropriate and requested by patients. I like to include the spiritual aspect in my patient work.
My focus
I enjoy working with all types of ages and genders, both male, female, LGBTQI, and Veterans. I prefer ages 13-Seniors and usually work with individuals and include caregivers when treating minors. I have spent over twenty years treating anxiety, depression, trauma, adoption and foster care, grief and loss, relationship, and gender issues.
My communication style
Often I'm told that I'm easy to talk with, and others find it easy to share personal struggles and concerns. I am conversational and like to mix a variety of listening, talking, reflecting, and processing with patients. I am very serious about the work I do and LOVE to see patients find relief and progress in therapy.
My journey to mental healthcare
I attended grad school and did my internship hours while working full-time jobs. It took me ten years to complete my undergrad and then another three years to do my master's and get licensure hours. I've always felt my maturity in beginning this work in my late 40s allows me to appreciate doing patient work that takes such courage and vulnerability. I am naturally curious about patients' lives and care about their well-being. It is my pleasure and joy to be able to continue working in my late 60s with all sorts of patients. I love the variety, flexibility, challenge, and opportunity to get to know and work with patients and to join them in creating positive changes in their lives.
My goals for you
Goal setting is based on symptoms presented by patients, diagnostics, and then collaboration with patients to set both short and long-term goals. We'll often revisit treatment planning and goals after certain intervals, such as the 5th week, 10th week, etc.
My first session with you
I like to spend time getting to know patients and casually checking in to see what brought them to therapy at this point in time. I'll cover the limits of confidentiality, how online therapy works, and what happens when/if there are drops in Internet connections during sessions. I'll ask about any goals they have, gather intake information, and then offer initial strategies for reducing symptoms. I'll summarize what I heard them say about their concerns and what we've talked about during this session in a strength-based way. Adding that, I might need to gather further information that we didn't get a chance to fully discuss during our next session.
