Hi, my name is Lakana S. Nicolas, and I am a psychotherapist based in Sherman Oaks and Pasadena, California.  I am the founder of Wise Heart Healing, a private practice and wellness center that offers a holistic approach to the therapeutic journey. Over the past decade, I have had the honor of supporting clients in a variety of clinical settings, gaining a wide range of experience with many diverse populations and modalities of treatment.    

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and my Master of Social Work at California State University, Long Beach.  With over a decade of direct patient care experience spanning from various roles in community and healthcare based mental health settings such as Los Angeles County Behavioral Health Services at LAC+USC Medical Center to a position as a clinical supervisor at Kaiser Permanente Regional Behavioral Health, I have developed a deep passion for assisting clients in healing from past wounds and fostering self-empowerment.   

My specialties include working with individuals with a history of depression, anxiety, trauma, and helping clients address interpersonal conflicts through both individual and couples’ psychotherapy. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), I utilize trauma-informed and evidence-based interventions, drawing from my extensive training in CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, ACT, and certification in EMDR.

At the heart of my practice is the belief that healing occurs within the therapeutic relationship. I understand that taking the first courageous step in seeking therapy is the beginning process of self-commitment, self-exploration, and self-discovery of unlimited possibilities. As a therapist, I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients to process their challenges and promote empowerment.  I work in collaboration with clients, empowering their inner wisdom that often only needs guidance to unblock their fullest potential.

I bring a little of my personality and lived experienced into sessions, with a lot of empathy and evidence base-practice knowledge, creating a warm and inviting space for healing. If you want to learn more about how therapy may look for you, I welcome the opportunity to provide you guidance in your healing journey.