Hello! My name is Nicole Barksdale and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in California. Choosing a therapist can feel like a difficult task, so I wanted to tell you a little about myself to help you decide if I would be a good fit for you. I have over 17 years of professional experience that include trauma, abuse, and the juvenile and adult justice systems. I’ve been providing psychotherapy for a wide range of issues and populations for the last 10 years. For the first few years of my clinical career I worked with children and families both in office and on school campuses. I would describe my therapeutic approach as goal-oriented and client-centered. Treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion are at the forefront of my practice. My counseling style is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy among others. My goal in therapy is to create a safe space, free from judgment or rejection, for you to explore any challenges you may be facing and help you find new skills to deal with them. I know how hard it is to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with and I applaud you for taking the first step. I would be honored to work with you.