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.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session we will see if we have a good connection and would work well with each other. I will get to know you by asking questions to figure out what your areas of improvement are and to understand how to meet you where you are "in the present.", as well as designing your treatment plan. Collaboratively, we will come up with a plan to overcome obstacles and to meet your goals. I will ask how long you'd like to dedicate or commit your time to reach your goals (whether one month, several months etc. This way we can make a guestimate of treatment, so we stay on track keeping a "the target" in mind. We can work on SMART goals to make sure it's Specific, Measurable (sometimes keeping a record outside of therapy), Attainable, and within the Time frame you are able to commit too. This means making yourself a priority and putting aside time for yourself each week. It is helpful to prepare and reflect with each session; however not always possible every week. You will get much more from your therapy session when you do. This reduces the possibility of forgetting and it saves time. It is best to let me know as soon as you know you need to cancel and if I have space available, I will do my best to make the time up with you during the week. If you are able; I won't count it as a missed session. I do charge for no shows and if you miss 4 sessions, I will refer you to someone else, as consistency of your care to get the max benefit. Anytime you miss, it keeps others from having help and an empty spot for me that hour. There are exceptions; life happens, emergencies happen, sickness and "the dog ate my homework" but if it becomes a pattern then we can address any problems you are having with keeping appointments and/or not prioritize yourself. You deserve it. Sessions are 45 minutes, and I will take some notes during the sessions to track your progress. If you are going on long extended vacations like over two weeks, please tell me in the first session so I may mark them off my calendar ahead of time. If you travel a lot for business and go out of the states where I am licensed in; we will not be able to-do the session as each state has their own laws and as a therapist I am required to abide by them. Please no sessions while you are driving either as safety is key here. The best way to message me is on the portal due to confidentiality issues and I will respond usually the same day. If for any reason during the session you don't think we are a mat

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

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 "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.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Clients who want to get better. Clients who have tried other therapists they didn't connect with, because I connect with just about anyone. Clients who may have anxiety, depression or adhd. Clients who have problems with post-Partum, or pmdd, or are pregnant. Clients who perform, such as in sports, arts or other activities. Clients who are Christian. Clients who want to see results and ultimately want to learn how to take responsibility of themselves and the choices they make. Clients who are hungry to get better and willing to put the effort both inside of therapy and out even if they are "baby steps".

About Nicole Chess