Smiling young woman with long dark hair, wearing a denim jacket, outdoors with trees and blue sky in the background.

About Me

Hi, I’m Nina.

I’m a therapist, but more importantly, I’m someone who deeply understands how confusing and heavy it can feel to carry things that don’t fully make sense yet.

A lot of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of who they are outside of what they’ve been taught or experienced.

If that’s you, you’re not alone.

I specialize in religious trauma, anxiety, and EMDR therapy because I’ve seen how deeply experiences, especially in high-control or rigid environments, can shape the way we see ourselves, our bodies, our relationships, and the world.

I’m especially passionate about working with people who are untangling messages around shame, identity, and worth, whether that comes from religion, relationships, or past experiences.

This work matters to me because I know how hard it is to question things you were taught to never question.

My Background

I was raised in a conservative, fundamentalist Baptist church in a rural community, where religion shaped much of how I understood myself, relationships, and the world.

A young child with an expressive face, mouth open and eyes wide, holding onto a metal bar, possibly a railing or part of a piece of furniture.
A woman wearing a brown and black varsity jacket and jeans with embroidery walks along a cobblestone street lined with outdoor cafes and colorful buildings.


I attended Bible college, and it was there that I began to notice my values no longer fully aligned with what I had been taught. At the same time, I didn’t feel like I had a safe place to ask questions or express doubt without fear of judgment, punishment, or being pushed away.

During that time, I started therapy for the first time. Having a space where I could speak openly about the fear, isolation, and confusion I was experiencing made a profound difference. It allowed me to begin sorting through what I truly believed and who I was outside of those systems.

Since then, I have stepped away from religion and built a life that feels far more aligned with my values. That process has been both challenging and deeply freeing, and it continues to shape the way I show up as a therapist today.

My Approach

My work is trauma informed, relational, and collaborative. I believe therapy should feel safe, human, and real.

You are the expert on your own life. I am not here to take authority over your experience. We work together. I bring clinical training and a deep understanding of trauma, and you bring your story, your insight, and your inner knowing.

My approach is grounded in EMDR and somatic work, with a focus on helping you feel safe and supported. We move at your pace, slowing down when needed and paying attention to your nervous system. A lot of our work focuses on building safety, regulation, and helping you feel more grounded in yourself.

I am an ally! I am fully LGBTQ+ affirming and neurodivergent affirming. You deserve a space where your identity is respected and your experiences are taken seriously.

I show up as warm, friendly, and nonjudgmental. There is space for all parts of you here. And yes, we will laugh. Therapy can hold both depth and lightness.

A woman walking past a modern building with a textured white wall and a large gray garage door.

Clients often describe our work as warm, grounding, and deeply validating.

In our sessions, we move at a pace that feels manageable. You won’t be pushed to go faster than you’re ready for. Instead, we focus on building safety first, because real healing happens when your nervous system feels supported.

Over time, many clients begin to feel:

  • More emotionally regulated

  • Less overwhelmed by past experiences

  • More connected to themselves

  • More confident in their decisions and identity

Dried autumn leaves scattered on a textured asphalt surface with shadows cast by tree branches.

I work with clients who are in many different places in their relationship with religion. Some want to stay in their faith, some are in the process of leaving, and others are exploring something new.

My role is never to push you in any direction. Instead, I focus on helping you process trauma, build clarity around your values, and create a life that feels more aligned, free, and authentic to you.

Bookshelves filled with various books on different topics, organized on wooden shelves in a library or bookstore.

Credentials & Training

  • Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #19811)

  • Employed and supervised by Sarah Iaccarino, LMFT #128686

  • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Walden University

  • Bachelor of Science in Integrated Ministry Studies, Moody Bible Institute

  • EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic Training, EMDR Center of Southern California

Outside the Therapy Room

When I’m not working, you can usually find me reading, doing Pilates, going on hikes, exploring Los Angeles, traveling, or spending time with friends and family. I love photography, playing music, watching Netflix, and going on trips with the people I love.

I’m fun, definitely funny, and I truly enjoy life outside of work.

And I love dogs.

If you’re feeling ready, or even just curious, about starting therapy:

Book a free consultation and see if we’re a good fit.

I believe therapy should feel human.

You’re not just a set of symptoms, you’re a whole person with a story that deserves to be understood with care and nuance. My role is to walk alongside you as you begin to untangle what you’ve been carrying and create something new.