Empowering Healing, One Conversation at a Time.
Nicola Ranson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a compassionate and experienced psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals overcome life's stressors and injuries. With a warm and empathetic approach, Nicola provides a safe and non-judgmental space for her clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Her wholistic approach combines various therapeutic techniques, including Somatic Experiencing, Gestalt, Drama Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral methods, to support clients in achieving their unique goals and aspirations.
Personal Approach
Nicola strongly believes that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of successful healing. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, warmth, and presence in her practice, which she has aptly named "Tea and Empathy." This approach acknowledges the ritual of sharing a cup of tea as a symbol of comfort, connection, and understanding. Nicola strives to create a sense of safety and containment, allowing clients to feel truly heard and understood.
Clinical Approach
As a seasoned clinician, Nicola has developed an eclectic approach that integrates various therapeutic models, with Somatic Experiencing (SE) as her primary theoretical framework. SE is a gentle, naturalistic approach that empowers individuals to access their innate ability to recover from overwhelming experiences. Nicola may also incorporate elements of Gestalt and Drama Therapy, as well as Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral methods, or Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, depending on the client's unique needs.
Professional Experience
With over two decades of experience, Nicola has worked in various settings, including the Veterans Administration, County Mental Health, Kaiser Permanente, and TriCity Hospital Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic. She has taught Multicultural Counseling at the University of California, San Diego, Extension, and was a member of the core adjunct faculty at National University's Marriage and Family Therapy program. Nicola has a background in body/mind techniques, creative approaches, hypnotherapy, and crisis intervention.
Presentations & Workshops
As a seasoned presenter, Nicola has delivered workshops and presentations on various topics, including cult recovery, multicultural issues, trauma and body-oriented psychotherapy, torture and treatment approaches, high conflict divorce, drama therapy, and social work. Her expertise has been sought after by organizations such as the International Rescue Committee, the San Diego Repertory Theater, and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Therapist's Expertise and Integrity
Brook Olsen, a long-time acquaintance of Nicola Ranson, has only positive words to say about her high level of expertise and integrity. Olsen has referred numerous clients to Ranson over the years, receiving exceptional feedback from all of them. They describe her style as warm and inviting, while Olsen personally and professionally believes Ranson to be a person of the highest integrity, constantly striving to maintain this in both her personal and professional life.
Insurance and Billing Issues
Dylan Howard, on the other hand, had a disappointing experience with Nicola Ranson. Howard's wife attended sessions, but the billing department told them that her Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plan was covered. However, after three months, the insurance company disputed the claim, and the family received a large bill for $430. Although the therapist eventually reduced the amount to what she would have been paid from the insurance ($282), Howard felt that the mistake should have been caught much earlier in the process.
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