Our Team



Nicole Van Winkle
- Eastlake
- Telehealth
- Children (5-12)
- Teens (13-18)
- Young Adults (18-24)
- Adults (24+)
- Families
- EnglishEnglish
- Alcohol / Substance Use
- Anxiety
- Attachment issues
- Depression
- LGBTQ
- Multicultural issues
- Parenting
- Postpartum
- Self Esteem
- Self-harm
- Separation / Divorce
- Strengths
- Trauma
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Emotionally Focused TherapyEmotionally Focused Therapy
- Family SystemsFamily Systems
- Internal Family SystemsInternal Family Systems
- Motivational InterviewingMotivational Interviewing
- Play Therapy / SandtrayPlay Therapy / Sandtray
- Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
"Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’"
- Mary Anne Radmacher
Hello, I’m Nicole (she/her), an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Point Loma Nazarene University and am a San Diego native. I work with children, individuals, and families navigating trauma, attachment wounds, emotional and behavioral challenges, and life transitions. Outside the therapy room, I enjoy visiting the zoo—my favorites are the elephants and pandas—getting creative with crafting and DIY projects, and spending time in the kitchen. I especially love cooking for others and always look forward to office potlucks.
I love working with...
I am passionate about working with survivors of trauma, particularly those who may have felt overlooked or struggled to find their voice. It is an honor to accompany someone as they rebuild their life on their own terms. I also love working with kiddos and take great care in creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and grounded in compassion as they navigate life's challenges.
Some of my favorite approaches include...
My favorite therapeutic approaches are Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I appreciate EFT for helping individuals express their core emotional needs, IFS for understanding the different "parts" of the self influenced by trauma, and SFBT for empowering clients by focusing on their strengths and envisioning positive change.
How I help...
My approach varies based on who I'm working with. Still, I always bring compassion, curiosity, and respect for each unique story. I aim to create a safe space where clients can explore their inner worlds, make sense of painful experiences, and reconnect with silenced parts of themselves. Whether addressing trauma, navigating relationships, or developing coping strategies, I focus on fostering an environment where individuals feel seen and heard.
For children, I aim to help children better understand and manage their emotions, strengthen secure attachment, improve communication, and build confidence.
I believe...
...therapy doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Just showing up, even when you’re unsure, is courageous.
What it's like in session with me
In session with me, you can expect a calm, compassionate space where you're met with curiosity—not judgment. I'll meet you where you are, whether that means talking through something painful, sitting in silence, or figuring out how to name what you're feeling for the first time. We'll work at your pace, honoring both the hard parts and the small wins.
With children, I focus on creating a space where they feel safe, accepted, and free to be themselves through play, art, storytelling, or movement – whatever fits best. I take a gentle, curious approach and move at the child's pace, knowing that trust takes time.