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Nicole Gershenson has been committed to the mental health field since 2010. She started off her journey as an advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence while earning her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA. After college, she found herself working along the Malibu coastline at high-end luxury drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers; however, the role of supervising clients was not as idyllic as the beach, which prompted her to take the next steps toward becoming a therapist. She earned her Master’s degree in psychology with a concentration in mindfulness-based practices from Phillips Graduate Institute. Seeking a broader perspective, she transitioned to working with underserved populations in a Department of Mental Health-contracted facility, as well as at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar, CA. She briefly dabbled in Utilization Review and supervising documentation but quickly realized that wasn’t quite her scene, so she ditched the paperwork, faced her fears, and launched her private practice, where she now helps individuals and couples untangle life’s messes with empathy, compassion, and some laughs.
As a therapist, Nicole approaches her clients with an open mind, sense of humor, and no judgment. She creates a space where clients can feel comfortable being themselves. Identifying as queer and sex-positive, she is comfortable and experienced in working with a diverse range of relationships. She is certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold standard for treating OCD—and blends behavioral therapies with approaches like Relational Life Therapy and Interpersonal Neurobiology.
Nicole works with clients from the film and television industry, the music industry, and the tech and finance sectors. She’s well-versed in handling high-profile cases that require a deeper level of care. Her practice is focused on helping individuals connect with the deeper parts of themselves, empowering them to grow and thrive in every corner (even the messy ones) of their lives.
When she’s not working with clients, Nicole can be found hanging out with her dog and friends, exploring new places, or getting way too invested in reality TV (the more absurd, the better). She’s also into DIY projects—whether or not they actually get finished or come out in a presentable way is another story.
Nicole is certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, recognized as the gold standard for treating OCD. She specializes in addressing contamination fears, health anxiety, food related anxieties, and phobias such as claustrophobia and emetophobia. Her expertise also includes treating fears of flying and other modes of transportation, social phobias, and general obsessions. Additionally, Nicole has extensive experience in managing panic disorder, helping clients navigate triggers that may lead to panic attacks, and providing comprehensive support to improve self regulation.
While behavioral therapies are highly effective for fear-related disorders, Nicole incorporates a range of other therapeutic modalities to offer holistic support. She is trained in Relational Life Therapy (RLT, Level 1, Terry Real) and Interpersonal Neurobiology (Dan Siegel), giving her unique insights into the complexities of relationships and brain functioning. Nicole is dedicated to helping her clients understand the systems within their environment, empowering them to find new strategies for managing situations that once caused distress.
Relationships form the foundation of our lives, and when they go awry, they can leave lasting emotional scars. As we grow older, relationships—or the absence of them—often take center stage in our lives. While many of us hope for supportive and nurturing connections, it’s common to encounter obstacles, challenges, and emotional setbacks that can hinder our ability to maintain healthy relationships. Nicole helps clients navigate through negative experiences, past traumas, betrayals, anxieties, and other barriers that interfere with creating fulfilling, loving relationships with others—and ultimately, with ourselves.
With seasoned experience in trauma work and a deep understanding of the aftermath of difficult life, Nicole helps clients realign with a more balanced and grounded sense of self. She supports them in navigating their healing journey, fostering resilience, and regaining emotional equilibrium.
Individual therapy is ideal for those seeking support in managing symptoms and behaviors that affect their daily life. Nicole will work collaboratively with you to establish personalized treatment goals, adjusting them as you progress. Every therapy experience is unique and specifically tailored to meet your individual needs, ensuring you receive the most effective care for your personal journey. She uses a blend of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), mindfulness, ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), interpersonal neurobiology, RLT (relational life therapy), and of course ERP (if needed).
Relationship therapy is ideal for anyone in a relationship—whether romantic, platonic, familial, or between friends who is seeking to improve communication, resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, and create a more fulfilling connection. Nicole brings extensive experience in assisting with sibling and family dynamics, as well as friendship challenges. In romantic relationships, she is particularly skilled in helping couples navigate breaches of trust caused by issues like addictions, affairs, betrayals, or unexpected life events. With her support, relationship therapy offers the guidance needed for both partners to heal and overcome the challenges that have strained their bond.
