Nicole Chess

LMFT, 9 years of experience
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented
VirtualAvailable

Clinical Performance Strategist | The "Mental Game" Specialist for High-Stakes Performers Traditional therapy often focuses on "venting"—my practice focuses on breakthroughs. As a former LPGA professional with an M.S. in Sport Psychology and an M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy, I don't just 'listen'—I help you build a blueprint for change. I specialize in helping women and high-performers navigate ADHD, anxiety, and corporate burnout by treating the mind like a strategic game plan. I am best positioned to serve high-stakes professionals—including pilots, attorneys, tech executives, and athletes—who are ready to treat their mental health as a performance metric. My goal is to provide you with the mental architecture and tools you need to feel back in control of your life and your performance. Why Professionals Choose This Practice: I understand the unique pressures of high-level competition and the weight of "carrying the room." My goal isn't just to help you cope—it’s to help you optimize. If you are ready to stop ruminating and start performing, schedule your initial strategy session via the Grow Therapy portal to begin your Game Plan.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

🌟 Welcome! Your Therapy Portal Hi! I’m a structured, direct therapist. This approach works best for clients who want clear expectations, accountability, and consistent progress. It may not be right for everyone — and that’s okay! ☑ 1. Confirm Your Appointment Log in to the portal immediately. Check your camera & audio. Your appointment is not confirmed until: • All intake forms & assessments are fully completed, and • I have messaged you back. Take your time — this ensures your first session is focused and productive. ☑ 2. Communication You will receive one email alerting you to portal info. After that, all communication is via the HIPAA-secure portal. Check the portal weekly, complete forms, and review activities — this is your responsibility. ☑ 3. Intake Forms & Fit Fill out all assessments honestly and thoroughly. Share previous diagnoses, therapy history, what worked, what didn’t, and what would help most now. Answer assessments in relation to your main concerns. • Example: If work stress is your issue, note how anxious or depressed it makes you at your worst. Minimal or vague answers may: • Hide how the problem affects you • Indicate you’re minimizing feelings • Suggest a different type of support may be needed The goal: get you the right help quickly and make your first session productive. Incomplete or vague forms = automatic referral. ☑ 4. Weekly Commitment & Effort Therapy requires active participation inside and outside sessions. Complete assigned assessments and activities each week. Consistent effort ensures progress. ☑ 5. Safety & Crisis Thoughts of self-harm? Complete the Safety Form in the portal. Immediate danger or crisis? Go to the ER or call 911. ☑ 6. Cancellations & No-Shows 48-hour notice required for cancellations. Late or missed sessions = $100 fee. Any no-show (please have common courtesy to let me know). If proactive engagement is not happening, we will brainstorm and fix obstacles, or I can refer you to a different type of therapist. ☑ 7. Portal & HIPAA All official communication happens securely in the portal. Messages do not forward to email — checking the portal is your responsibility. ☑ 8. Billing & Tech Support Contact Grow support for insurance, billing, or technical issues. ☑ Acknowledgment I have read, understand, and agree to these policies. I understand that failing to follow them may result in rescheduling, loss of recurring appointments, referral, or discontinuation of care.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe therapy is most effective when it speaks your language. As a former professional golfer, I specialize in 'Mental Architecture'—using metaphors from sports, arts, or your own unique passions to make complex psychological concepts feel natural and intuitive. The Methodology: I utilize a high-accountability blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Strategy, and Clinical Hypnotherapy to bypass negative loops and unlock subconscious potential. The 4-Session Breakthrough: We track everything. If we don’t record our progress, we won’t know when we’ve hit the target. This structure ensures we aren't just talking, but actively moving toward your 'upward cycle' of daily living. We map out your strategic roadmap immediately, defining clear metrics for success. Our Partnership: I describe my style as a 'Strategic Coach with Heart.' I am structured and direct because I value your time and your potential. High-level transformation requires a shift from passive listening to active 'adulting'—taking radical responsibility for your growth. I provide the "Clinical Homework" and the framework; you provide the execution. Together, we ensure this isn't just another 'failed attempt' at therapy, but the moment you finally become the star of your own life.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Who I Serve: Clinical Performance Strategist The "Mental Game" Specialist for High-Stakes Performers Traditional therapy often focuses on "venting"—my practice focuses on breakthroughs. As a former LPGA professional with an M.S. in Sport Psychology and an M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy, I don't just offer a listening ear; I offer a Strategic Game Plan. I am best positioned to serve high-stakes professionals—including pilots, attorneys, tech executives, and athletes—who are ready to treat their mental health as a performance metric. Whether you are navigating neurodivergent (ADHD) workflows, performance anxiety, or corporate burnout, we approach your goals with clinical precision. My Approach: Structure Over "Vibes" If you are looking for a passive experience, I may not be the right fit. If you are looking for a roadmap to your "finish line," we start in Session One. The Methodology: I utilize a high-accountability blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Strategy, and Clinical Hypnotherapy to bypass negative loops and unlock subconscious potential. The 4-Session Breakthrough: We move fast. We map out your strategic roadmap immediately, defining clear metrics for success so you know exactly how far you’ve come. The Partnership: High-level transformation requires active participation. I provide the "Clinical Homework" and the framework; you provide the execution. I recommend a "10/10 Ritual" (10 minutes of prep before our session and 10 minutes of decompression after) to ensure you get the maximum ROI from our time together. Why Professionals Choose This Practice: I understand the unique pressures of high-level competition and the weight of "carrying the room." My goal isn't just to help you cope—it’s to help you optimize. Are you ready to stop ruminating and start performing? Schedule your initial strategy session via the Grow Therapy portal to begin your Game Plan.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

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.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

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.

Hypnotherapy

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.

Christian Counseling

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.

Interpersonal

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.

, 88 ratings

10 ratings with written reviews

January 13, 2026

This was my very first Therapy session with Nicole. I didn't know what to expect? What I experienced was easy flowing communication. I felt extremely comfortable for a first session. I Am confident I was valued as we easily navigated through our first session.

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 1 with Nicole

January 12, 2026

I'm grateful for our work and the way Nicole approached my question. I was lost in so many different thoughts and problems, and she gave me encouragement and straightforward solutions that I can apply today. I felt safe and understood. And really appreciate how honest but sensitive Nicole was. She also provided a bunch of resources and made sure to leave me with the main conclusion when I felt overwhelmed.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Nicole

November 17, 2025

Nicole is amazing, I don't know where I would be without her! I have grown more in 5 sessions with her, than an entire year with my previous therapist. I have wasted so much time not living my life, and being stuck in my emotions. Nicole has giving me the tools to process my emotions, and solutions for my relationship issues. I am learning to take care of myself the way I have taken care of others. Thank you Nicole for being there, and always knowing the right thing to say!

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 5 with Nicole