Nicole Forester , LPC, LPCC

Nicole Forester is a licensed counselor and nationally board-certified music therapist who brings a calm, attentive presence to clinical work. She emphasizes non-judgmental listening to help people reconnect with their own voice and encourages straightforward, honest expression as a starting point for change. With a Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy from Utah State University (2002) and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix (2007), she combines formal training in mental health with specialized music therapy skills developed through an internship at Bethany Children’s Home in Pennsylvania and years of clinical practice.

Nicole’s professional background spans inpatient and outpatient settings, addiction recovery programs, university neuropsychiatric services, in-home crisis teams with youth, hospice work with children and teens, and a private practice she maintained in San Francisco from 2012 to 2019. She holds credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and she is a Nationally Board-Certified Music Therapist, a credential that reflects formal education and supervised experience in using music as part of therapeutic care.

She invites prospective clients to interview therapists as part of finding a good fit and offers clear answers about the therapy process. Nicole acknowledges the courage it takes to seek help and values an objective listening stance that supports clients as they explore their goals and challenges.

Approaches for Online Care and Therapeutic Fit

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then take actions that align with their values - it can be useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions.

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating an open, empathetic environment where the client’s perspective guides the work; this approach supports self-exploration, emotional processing, and rebuilding self-esteem.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns by teaching practical skills to shift thoughts and responses, which is often effective for depression, anxiety, and coping with change.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Nicole works with clients to identify goals, preferences, and what feels most useful in session, and she adapts methods over time to match each person’s needs.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can be held by video call or phone, and shorter or ongoing contact can take place via live chat or text-based messaging. These options can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, maintain continuity during transitions, and access support from licensed professionals without the need for travel.