Welcome

 “Nikki's compassionate guidance was pivotal during a challenging period of transition in my life. Struggling with depression and anxiety, I found her support invaluable in helping me realign my energy and perspective. Thanks to Nikki, I emerged from our sessions with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity, allowing me to navigate through my challenges with newfound resilience.” — LP, 27, San Francisco

"Since starting therapy four months ago, I have grown so much in my emotional maturity. I have more ability to calm my mind. I am able to sit back and think before acting and have more control over my reactions. I am communicating better with everyone than I ever have before. I am learning assertiveness skills and how to be honest in the moment. I am setting healthy boundaries. I no longer have angry outbursts towards others. I'm excited for today and five years from now." — AR, 21, Los Angeles

Hello, I’m Nikki Heeren. Since 2018, I have been working as a licensed psychotherapist in various settings, including in private practice and as a clinical director for a mental health nonprofit. I work with adults and parents struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, self-esteem issues, relationship and parenting challenges.

I work with clients using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and deliver services through telehealth (video or phone). CBT is an evidence-based approach originated by Dr. Aaron T. Beck, who discovered that we can shift our emotions by working to change our thoughts and behaviors. This includes working to identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and learn new behaviors, such as positive coping and interpersonal skills.

I am a parent and know this journey is never about perfection. It is about the willingness to reflect, brainstorm, learn, and adjust - while always maintaining a lens of self-compassion. In my work with parents, I provide support and parenting strategies from William Glasser’s Nurtured Hearts Approach and Collaborative Problem-Solving, an evidence-based approach. Prior to becoming a therapist, I completed an MA in Education and worked in various educational settings, with students ranging in age from kindergarten to city college.

After working with me, clients usually report feeling more confident, peaceful, and optimistic about their future. They often notice changes in their communication that lead to less conflict and more closeness in their relationships. Parents who work with me usually report improvements in their relationships with their children, an increase in their child’s positive behaviors, and more confidence in their parenting skills.

Length of treatment with me depends on the person. For some, this can be a short-term process (three to six months), for others, the process can take more time (more than six months). This depends on various factors, such as how many areas of your life are being affected, severity, concurrent mood disorders, trauma history, medical issues, and environmental stressors.

I am affirming of individuals from the LGBTQ+ community and strive to be humble and self-reflective around intersections of culture, ethnicity, race, sexuality, gender, and language.