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Understanding Stress Hormones and Stress Responses in the Body
Introduction Stress is a natural response to perceived threats and
Home » Nikki Chinen, M.S.W., LCSW #122852
Young Professionals and Trauma Specialist
A Space of Heartfelt Healing
Aloha! I’m Nikki Chinen, a licensed clinical social worker and EMDR therapist practicing in California. I was born and raised in Hawai’i, moved to the Midwest, and spent time abroad prior to settling down in Los Angeles. My lived experiences continue to influence how I show up and hold space in my therapy practice, honoring my clients’ diverse lived experiences.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I specialize in trauma therapy, supporting my clients to embrace their authentic selves. My passions include working with emerging adults and young professionals who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, C/PTSD, and/or life transitions.
I describe myself as an eclectic therapist, practicing from a relational lens. In therapy, we will focus on creating a supportive environment where you feel empowered and able to show up authentically. My approach is collaborative, incorporating various modalities that meet your unique needs and feel supportive for you. My clients often express how they appreciate my authenticity, compassion, and personalized care, making their therapeutic experience safe and effective.
As an EMDR therapist, I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help you process and heal from trauma. EMDR uses guided eye movements or tapping to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. This technique is highly effective for addressing negative beliefs, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and traumatic incidents. By reprocessing these experiences, EMDR helps you regain control, reduce distress, and improve your overall emotional well-being.
I am committed to anti-oppressive practices, ensuring that therapy is a space where all clients feel respected, heard, and valued. I strive to provide culturally sensitive care that acknowledges and honors the diverse backgrounds of my clients.
In our journey together, I’ll integrate fun and lightness into our sessions, creating space for comfort and vulnerability, even while addressing challenging or sensitive topics. Outside of the therapeutic space, you can find me spending time outside (surfing, hiking, playing ping pong, or walking my dog), spending time with my family and friends, and traveling! When you are ready, please reach out, and I’d be honored to work with you!
I earned my Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, with an emphasis in Social Change and Innovation.
Prior to that, I earned my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology and minor in Sociology, from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
I am a licensed clinical social worker in California, holding multiple certifications to support my clients in their journey.
I specialize in working with emerging adults and young professionals navigating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, C/PTSD, and life transitions. My expertise also extends to trauma therapy and supporting clients in embracing their authentic selves.
Additionally, I focus on helping individuals heal from trauma using EMDR. This technique uses guided eye movements or tapping to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and promoting overall emotional well-being. EMDR can effectively address:
By reprocessing these experiences, EMDR helps you regain control, reduce distress, and improve your overall emotional well-being. This powerful method promotes healing and resilience, allowing you to move forward with confidence and clarity.
I am passionate about creating a supportive space where you feel empowered and safe to explore your vulnerabilities and strengths. My approach is eclectic and relational, using various therapeutic modalities tailored to your needs. These approaches can help you understand and change negative thought patterns, improve emotional regulation, and connect with your body’s natural ability to heal.
My commitment is to build authentic relationships and offer culturally sensitive and anti-oppressive care. I emphasize empathy and connection to transform feelings of isolation into empowering and meaningful relationships. Together, we can work on nurturing self-worth and addressing the various challenges and transitions in your life, fostering a deeper connection with yourself and others.
As a licensed clinical social worker in California, I hold multiple certifications and utilize various treatment approaches in my therapy practice:
Introduction Stress is a natural response to perceived threats and
Introduction Let’s talk all things therapy and insurance. I know,
Introduction In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle with overstimulation
Introduction Stress is a natural response to perceived threats and
Introduction Let’s talk all things therapy and insurance. I know,
Introduction In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle with overstimulation
Understanding High-Functioning Anxiety High-functioning anxiety is not an official diagnosis,
Understanding Immature or Inconsistent Caregivers In the world of therapy,
Contact us today to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our professional therapists.
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