Nik Thoma, LICSW (they/she)

We experience life through all of our senses and can enlist them in the therapeutic process to address feelings of anxiety, depression, uncertainty, grief, burnout, or anger (among many more!). I approach therapy from a narrative and expressive arts perspective. This means using visual arts, music, movement, creative writing, reading, and/or play in the therapy space, in addition to talk therapy, to assist you in exploring and rewriting the stories you engage with on a daily basis — both about yourself and the world around you.

I work best with people who may have been told that they “think outside the box”, have a sense of curiosity, or are looking for options to complement traditional talk therapies.  

It’s my hope that we can create a safe space together for exploration and unlearning the stories that may be keeping you from the life you’d like to live. I strive to hold a space for us that encourages messiness, imperfections, and gentle risk-taking balanced with education, humor, and encouragement.

My approach to therapy

I offer individual sessions with teens (13+) and adults both virtually and in person. I am non-binary, queer, and white, working from a narrative expressive arts framework rooted in queer and feminist theory, critical intersectionality, liberation psychology, and anti-racist/anti-oppressive practices. This also means that I come from a place that tries to reduce the power dynamic inherent in therapy as much as possible. This starts with the understanding that you are the expert in your story. I am here as a guide to assist you in re-authoring your stories.

I am an LGBTQIA+, kink & polyam, and neurodiverse affirming therapist.

MEET THE TEAM

Areas of focus

Education and training

  • Masters in Social Work at Walden University

  • Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the Art Institute of California - Santa Ana

  • Expressive Arts Certification from Northwest Creative and Expressive Arts Institute

Credentials

  • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (#LW61445366)