Hidden Gems: Meet Nicole Gershenson of Nicole Gershenson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Gershenson

Hi Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve had several catalysts that led me to become a therapist. Growing up with a parent who was severely mentally ill and cognitively impaired made my early years isolating, chaotic, and confusing—plenty of early exposure to life’s complexities. I had some therapy sessions as a child and began more consistent therapy as a teenager, participating in a long-standing group. Although those early experiences weren’t ideal, they sparked my interest in mental health and planted the seeds for a career in therapy.

My true therapeutic journey didn’t start until after grad school, when I connected with skilled therapists who helped me engage in deeper, more transformative work. Professionally, I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse settings, from high-end luxury rehabs to working with at-risk youth in juvenile hall to providing therapy in family homes to utilization review, and finally to private practice. Being an SFV native has also been surprisingly helpful. There’s something about knowing the Valley’s (and other cities’) quirks and complexities that makes it easier to connect with clients navigating their own LA lives.

Today, I am committed to creating a safe, compassionate space where clients can explore their challenges with confidence. Knowing firsthand the importance of a reliable therapeutic relationship, I strive to provide effective, empathetic support to those facing life’s obstacles

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a road full of ups and downs, but somehow, it all fell into place. One of the biggest challenges I faced was transitioning to private practice, which took much longer than I’d anticipated. When I started, I rented office space on Saturdays with no clients. The office just sat there, completely empty, but I showed up every Saturday, determined to make it happen. Eventually, I started seeing a few clients while still juggling my full-time job.

Looking back, starting a practice while my parents were beginning their divorce now seems a little ambitious (to say the least). But it was the push I needed to finally quit my full-time job and take a risk. Even then, I tiptoed into the transition, taking on a part-time job with a psychologist for about a year. Then, six months into the pandemic, I realized it was time to finally take the plunge. Running a business has been its own adventure—one I’m still learning to navigate every day!

As you know, we’re big fans of Nicole Gershenson. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I have a private practice specializing in anxiety, OCD, relationship struggles, and trauma. I provide both individual and relationship therapy, and I take great pride in the relationships I build with my clients. As someone who has faced similar challenges, I have a particular understanding of OCD (including personal experience with emetophobia), which helps me bring real compassion to my work. I love connecting with people and hearing their stories; I’m drawn to exploring each person’s strengths, using humor, and finding collaborative ways to support them on their journey.

I truly believe that therapy can help people see themselves with greater kindness, which is often half the battle in overcoming hardships. It’s incredibly rewarding when clients trust me to navigate that space with them, and I feel honored to be part of their growth.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have the support of friends, family, and some truly excellent therapists (with maybe one exception). One therapist once predicted I wouldn’t be able to run my own practice due to my supposed lack of motivation and organization. I’m proud to say I chose not to continue working with them, didn’t take their opinion to heart, and ultimately proved that assumption wrong

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nickygtherapy.com

Image Credits
Tarryn Rossetti