Nicola

Dr Nicola Simmersbach

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“Do you struggle to be heard? Find yourself in romantic or work relationships where it feels like you don’t matter? I’d love to help. Free phone consult”

About Me

Feeling unheard in romantic or work relationships can be deeply isolating. I offer a space where you can truly be heard, perhaps for the very first time. We can work together to explore communication patterns and build confidence in expressing your needs. This collaborative approach helps clients find their authentic voice. It fosters more balanced and fulfilling connections, whether at home or in the workplace.

Approach

When it feels like your words disappear in relationships, I help you notice how small moments shape bigger patterns. Sessions in Sacramento or online, in English or German, are paced to match your comfort—often a steady mix of reflective listening, gentle skills practice, and short between-session experiments. We track recurring interactions, try out new phrases until they land, and use evidence-informed tools when overwhelm blocks communication. People who’ve felt unseen often leave with clearer boundaries and more steady presence at home and work.
Contact Nicola

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services

Services Offered:

  • •
    Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • •
    Free Consultation

    A no-cost initial session to meet the therapist, discuss needs, and decide whether they are the right fit before committing.

  • •
    Psychotherapy

    In-depth therapeutic work that explores patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships to produce lasting psychological change.

    Learn more about Psychotherapy
  • •
    EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.

    Learn more about EMDR

Works With:

  • •Adults
  • •Couples
  • •Individuals
  • •Organisations

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • •
    Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • •
    Stress / Burnout

    The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).

    Learn more about Stress / Burnout
  • •
    Cross-Cultural

    The psychological challenges of living between two or more cultures, including identity conflicts, acculturation stress, and difficulties with belonging.

  • •
    LGBTQI+ Support

    The unique psychological experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, including identity exploration, coming out, discrimination, minority stress, and relationship dynamics.

  • •
    Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • •
    Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • •
    Shame

    A deep, painful emotion involving the belief that one is fundamentally flawed or unworthy, which can affect self-perception and relationships.

    Learn more about Shame
  • •
    Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma

Professional Title:

  • •
    Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

    A therapist licensed to work with couples and families on relationship difficulties, communication, and family dynamics.

Qualifications

University of Southern California

California State University, Sacramento

Registrations

Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist; Professional Clinical Counselor

Service Area

CSUS

In-person & Online

Sacramento, California

United States