NICOLE BACHANAS, M.S., MFT

LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST

LICENSE NO. 86704

Clinical Director

Client Focus: Young Adults; Female Professionals

Areas of Specialization: Life Transitions; Relationship issues; Family Conflict; Stress and Anxiety, Depression; Trauma

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked closely with young adults and adolescents for the past decade. I earned my Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University. Much of my experience has included a variety of issues especially: self-esteem, attachment, trauma, life transitions, narcissism, anxiety, and depression.

Through my own experience I have learned that healing happens when you allow yourself to be patient and allow the pain to uncover itself. Together we can illuminate different areas of your life to make meaning. I’m interested in joining this process with you. By creating a safe place and bringing my genuine and authentic self, I hope you feel understood and excited to improve and grow in a variety of areas. I am excited to help you apply what has been processed in a positive way.

Phone: (949) 467-9763

Email: nicole@gesellpsychotherapy.com

DEALING WITH A QUARTER LIFE CRISIS?
TAKE THE ADULTING IS HARD QUIZ

Training & Experience

Education

2011      M.S. in Clinical Psychology

               Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, California

 

2008      B.A. in Sociology (Emphasis in Women’s Studies)

                 Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, California

 

Professional Skills

  • Attended Seminars and Workshops: Child Abuse and Maltreatment, Aging and Long-term Care, Human Sexuality, Spousal and Partner Abuse,

  • Autism Training, Peer Conflict Mediation Training, Behavioral Health and Addictive Disorders, Love Addiction, Understanding and Addressing Youth Self-Harm, Safe School Plans: Focus on Bullying, Active Shooter Training

  • Work within a multidisciplinary team of parents, teachers, school administrators, school districts, behavior staff, mental health workers and outside agencies

  • Knowledge of electronic charting, data collection and treatment plans

  • CPR/ CPI/ First Aide trained

  • Create IEP goals, Functional Behavior Analysis and Behavior Intervention Plans

  • Co-created drug prevention/anti-bullying presentation for teens and organize Mental Health Week

 

Current Employment

2018- Present Gesell Psychotherapy, Licensed MFT

  • Specialize in Young Adults who are transitioning

  • Individuals with Anxiety, Depression, and school difficulties

  • I bring an integrative approach to make meaning of your personal journey

  • The ability to join in the process of finding meaning in relationships and true healing in a non-judgmental environment

2011- Present Rossier Park School, Intern/ Licensed MFT/Clinical Director

  • Provide individual therapy

  • Assign each student to an appropriate counselor when they arrive

  • Work closely with students with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, Bipolar, attachment issues, trauma, school difficulties, life transitions, narcissism, anxiety, depression, impulse control

  • Provides crisis intervention consultation

  • Maintains regular contact with clients’ parents/guardians to inform of student’s progress, areas of difficulties and any changes or situations in home life that may affect school performance

  • Provide individual and group supervision to MFT interns and oversee a team of 6 clinicians

  • Supervise school Nurse

  • Supervise Speech and Language Teacher

  • Participate in Administrative Meetings

  • Develop and update IEP goals as needed

  • Develop and update Functional Behavior Analysis and Behavior Intervention Plans as needed

  • Maintain all required paperwork including but not limited to case notes and communication logs

  • Provide in-service training as required for other staff members such as Teachers and Instructional Aides

2010- 2011 Outreach Concern, Inc. College View Elementary School, Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

  • K-5 school-based counseling agency that works with students on a confidential one-to-one basis

  • Help with problems such as child abuse, sexual abuse, drugs, bullying, self- destructive behavior and parent/child conflict

  • Participation in weekly clinical supervision

  • Experience implementing evidence-based practices, such as cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused treatment

2009-2010 Outreach Concern, Inc. Buena Park Junior High, Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

  • Students in grades 6th-8th who are experiencing social, emotional, academic and behavioral problems

  • Ability to provide emotional support and safety containment to children during crises

 

Honors, Awards and Scholarships

2009 Outreach Concern

Certificate of Recognition for Dedication and Service In Counseling

2010 Outreach Concern

Excellence in Service

 

Volunteer Experience

2006-2007 The Sheepfold

Equip mothers and children suffering from homelessness or abuse for successful independent living with hope for the future