Therapy in Pasadena for High-Functioning Anxiety, Trauma, and Chronic Stress

For the capable one who's running on fumes and still showing up early.

Hey, I'm Nicole. Most of my sessions are virtual, and I also offer in-person sessions at my office on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, across the street from Urth Caffé. I work with adults dealing with anxiety, trauma, and the kind of chronic stress that quietly builds when you're used to being the responsible one. Would rather meet from your couch? Virtual sessions are available anywhere in California.

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When Everything Looks Fine From the Outside

Pasadena runs on people who get things done. Researchers, physicians, attorneys, teachers, and parents running three calendars in their heads. From the outside, most of them look completely fine. On the inside, it's a mind that won't stop planning, a body that hasn't fully relaxed in years, and a quiet sense that this pace can't last.

Pasadena is one of those lively cities that still feels like a neighborhood. Between sessions, I sneak away to Vroman's, my favorite independent bookstore, or walk over to Republik for a coffee.

Maybe Some of This Sounds Familiar

You're the one everyone relies on, and you can't remember the last time you leaned on anyone.
You get it all done, then lie awake replaying what you could have done better.
Rest feels like something you have to earn, and you never quite earn it.
You understand your patterns perfectly. They keep running anyway.

That last one is usually where therapy helps most. My work with high-functioning anxiety and with high achievers and perfectionists focuses on your mind and your nervous system together, because understanding a pattern doesn't always change how your body reacts to it.

Insight is important. But insight alone isn't enough.

Reach out to schedule an appointment

What We Can Work On Together

Anxiety, overthinking, and perfectionism, including the anxious overachiever pattern
Past experiences that still shape how you react, through trauma processing and EMDR when it's a good fit
A body stuck in fight-or-flight, through nervous system regulation
The aftermath of a diagnosis, surgery, or hospital stay, through medical trauma therapy
Stress that shows up as physical pain, through therapy for chronic pain

There's room for humor in here too. We'll talk about important things, and we'll also admit that being human is occasionally weird.

Visiting the Office

595 E Colorado Blvd, Unit 610
Pasadena, CA 91101
(909) 242-8867

Park on the street (it's easy to find), and the entrance to the building is right on Colorado. Clients often come in with a coffee and a pastry from Urth Caffé, which is across the street.

I work with adults in Pasadena and the neighborhoods around it, including Altadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, La Cañada Flintridge, Sierra Madre, and Arcadia. I also work with people in Glendale, Eagle Rock, and Burbank.

Rather Meet Virtually?

Some weeks, leaving the house is one task too many. Virtual therapy works anywhere in California, from your home, your parked car, or a quiet room at work, and most of my sessions happen this way. You're welcome to switch between virtual and in-person sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your Pasadena office?

My office is at 595 E Colorado Blvd, Unit 610, in Pasadena, across the street from Urth Caffé. Street parking is easy to find.

Do you offer both in-person and virtual sessions?

Yes. Most of my sessions are virtual, and I offer in-person sessions at my Pasadena office. You can meet with me virtually from anywhere in California and switch between the two.

Who do you usually work with?

Thoughtful, capable adults who look fine on paper and feel worn thin underneath. Many have done the reading and understand their patterns. They want those patterns to stop running the show.

Do you take insurance?

I don't take insurance, but I provide superbills and guide you through the superbill submission process so you can request reimbursement from your plan.

How do I get started?

Fill out the contact form or call (909) 242-8867. I usually reply within 1 to 2 business days, and we'll set up a call to talk through your goals, the superbill process, and scheduling. If it turns out I'm not the right fit, I'm happy to point you toward referrals.

Whenever You're Ready

You don't have to wait for things to fall apart to start therapy. If you're tired of holding it all together, that's reason enough. Reach out to schedule an appointment.

If you're in crisis or need immediate help, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.