Hello! My name is Nicole Chess and I have a masters in sport psychology and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a Master's sport psychology degree from John F. Kennedy University and I have a Masters in marriage and family therapy. I also have a B.A. in Business with a specialization in management information systems from San Jose State University, which I played on the number #1 golf team for many years and was in the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association). I have a passion for helping individuals transform their lives and dreams into bigger and better ones. I will collaborate with you so we come up with a plan to implement practical ways to make them come true! I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy plus hypnotherapy. I can incorporate these inside therapy so that you can improve outside of therapy and in your daily life. My clients usually see improvement in as little as 3 to 4 sessions. I have worked with lawyers, pilots, pro athletes, techies, and people from all faiths and all walks of life. I also have half of two doctorate degrees I have not completed in transpersonal psychology from Sophia University and half of a doctorate in clinical psychology from San Diego University of Integrative Studies.
📋 No Paperwork? No Session. No Exceptions. If your intake isn’t complete, your appointment vanishes like a bad Tinder date. 💨 🧠Session 1 (and every session): Bring goals. Bring a session agenda. Estimate how much time each topic needs + how much feedback you want. Ask for what you need — I’m intuitive, not psychic (okay, maybe a little psychic 👀). I believe in structure > vibes. If you prefer a free-for-all, no shade — I’ll refer you to someone chiller. ✅ Weekly Commitment Required: 45-minute sessions. Come prepared: What’s working? What’s not? What do you want from me? Cancel early if needed — ghosting’s for apps, not therapy. ⚠️ Miss 2 = check-in. Miss 3 = referral. Therapy only works if you actually show up.
I love meeting people where they are in terms of personal growth, emotional and psychological understanding of themselves and others. I will ask in-depth questions so that you may better understand how to help yourself in ways in which you may have sought out others for answers. I will help you learn to trust yourself and uncover areas that may be untapped, so that you may reach your full potential! I was a pro-golfer and love to use metaphors from sports, or other arts to psycho-educate or just use what you already know a lot about to speak "your language" so you can utilize that knowledge in your life. Sometimes even analyzing or sharing your dreams can give the "key" to unlock the door to areas that may have been hidden to you, so that you can uncover the best you, learn to love yourself and others and perform our best; you can be your own "star". My approach is unique as you are! Since we are all made a little different, I like to follow your own processes, so it is comfortable and natural to you. I have extensive training in goal-setting, mission statements, and hypnotherapy and following up with each to make those dreams come true. I do like to give practical small assignments that are simple and easy to incorporate outside of therapy so that in the sessions that follow; we can start to see transformations and really see an upward cycle in the quality of your daily living. If we don't record it we won't know when we reach the goal or if we are getting closer to it or need to readjust. I am structured and a "tough" coach but with empathy. I do expect your active participation inside and outside of therapy. How can you expect to make changes if you dont spend as much time on the new ways of thinking then the old ways of thinking? If you dont you will become frustrated, most likely quit therapy and come back at some point. Its all about you taking responsibility unfortunately "adulting". In my experience sometimes we dont click with therapists or didnt benefit because we are unwilling to take responsibility and be proactive in therapy which goes no where.
🚨 No paperwork = no session. Starting therapy without forms is like trying to board a flight with no ID — we’re not going anywhere. I review everything ahead of time to make sure we’re a good fit. If not, I’ll let you know and help you find someone who is. No drama. 🧠In Session 1: We’ll map out your goals, how long you want to commit, and create a game plan (structure > vibes). Sessions are 45 mins. Please cancel early if needed. ⚠️ Miss 2 sessions = check-in. Miss 3 = referral. Therapy only works if you show up. 🧳 Going out of state or traveling more than 2 weeks? Tell me in advance — I can’t meet outside states I’m licensed in. Im licensed in Al, Texas, Ca. 🚗 And no driving during sessions, please! If you are in your car be prepared to give me location city and cross streets in case of an emergency. 📩 Message me via the portal — it’s secure and I usually reply same day. 📝 Before each session, press “Confirm Transcription” to get your session summary + next steps (your therapy cheat sheet). 💬 Not feeling the fit? Just say so — I’ll help you find a better match. Grown-up energy only.
I have worked in previous mental health organizations, and since it was their "go-to approach"; I was forced to adapt. Although this approach isn't always the best it can be helpful if you can commit for the short-term. Others may need a longer-term approach as well as time to learn CBT. It all depends on your goals, collaborating in sessions, and how motivated you are. There is no judgement here as I will go at your pace and will get feedback from you so we can stay on the same page.
I use CBT in my practice and I will teach you too! I will provide small homework assignments using CBT, but won't give you homework you aren't invested in. It's a great idea for you to have a journal to take notes in each session and also to record your progress in outside of therapy. I do expect contribution to your therapy outside of sessions, and for you to be proactive. I won't work harder than you, but I will definitely work as hard as you. Please come to therapy prepared and allow for ten minutes before to prepare and at least 10 minutes after to decompress. Have a goal in mind. Complaining and venting is not the core of therapy; I will allow that but only for long enough to figure out how you choose to move on from there. I can give you the tools but it's your job to take responsibility and practice them outside of sessions and in sessions. I will want a estimated time frame for how long you plan on coming to therapy; I don't do biweekly sessions. They are once a week, and we want to set an end date your goals can be achieved by. If you don't think we are connecting well that's ok, I can refer you to someone who make work better with you if you give me what you are looking for. Therapy is definitely a field in which a good connection is mandatory.
I am a certified hypnotherapist and love using hypnotherapy to work through difficult issues healing, relaxation, and awareness of self. I have a ton of different scripts, and I also can make up my own for you on a huge variety of issues. If you aren't comfortable with it; we won't use it. However, many Clients have said they feel "clearer headed, more relaxed than they have ever been, and they have claimed they can relax on their own much better outside of therapy." It can reach negative thought patterns and suggest more positive thought patterns to jump kick your brain. Also, it is the type of hypnosis that you will be in control the entire time and can open your eyes and stop if it is not your cup of tea.
I am Christian and if you are too, we can also center our sessions and root our sessions in Him. However I am open to all religions, beliefs, philosophies and respect differences.
The MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE IS WITH YOURSELF! The most important part of this is taking care of your physical and mental needs. The more you take responsibility for your life that better you can improve.