Nicole Cowan, LMFT, began her journey working with youth and families in high-level group homes and STRTPs while completing her undergraduate studies at California State University, Stanislaus, providing intensive support for children navigating crisis, self-harm, and suicidal behaviors. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 2016, she continued her work with at-risk youth, helping families stabilize during transitions from inpatient care due to suicide attempts and self harming behaviors to long term outpatient care. During her graduate studies in Marriage and Family Therapy at Brandman University, Nicole served as a Social Worker Facilitator with Stanislaus County, supporting children in the Child Welfare System through the Continuum of Care Reform (CCR) program and facilitating Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings. Upon completing her Master’s degree in 2022, she began working as a Clinician for community based nonprofit community agencies, focusing on children, families, intense therapeutic behavioral support, and early intervention. Nicole also has completed some trainings in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and has completed several PCIT trainings. Her experience extends to nonpublic school settings supporting children with IEPs, adults with co-occurring disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use, and private practice settings with individuals and families across the lifespan. Nicole’s approach is grounded in trust, collaboration, and openness to growth. She believes caregivers are the experts on their children and families, and her role is to help build upon the strengths and wisdom they already possess. Nicole partners with families and children in a compassionate and reflective way, helping them explore new strategies and deepen understanding. She believes meaningful change begins with caregivers: when they feel supported, empowered, and willing to try new approaches, that change naturally flows down to their children. Nicole’s greatest passion lies in working with young children (ages 0–10) and their caregivers. She strongly believes early intervention and family collaboration are key to long-term success and emotional well-being. Her approach centers on empowering caregivers, strengthening relationships, and helping children thrive both at home and in their communities.  Nicole enjoys spending time with her young daughter and fiancée, building Legos, collecting MiniBrands and MiniVerse with daughter, cooking, baking, and going to Disneyland a minimum of once a year, traveling, and family outings. As both a therapist and a mom, I understand how important it is for families to feel supported and heard through the ups and downs of parenting. I truly believe every family has the capacity to grow and thrive, and my goal is to create a space where caregivers and children feel safe, valued, and empowered. My approach focuses on celebrating strengths, embracing imperfections, and building confidence through connection. Together, we’ll focus on progress, not perfection, as we help children and families grow, heal, and flourish.