From People-Pleaser to Empowered Therapist: My Journey to Helping Women Reclaim Their Lives
Meet Nicole
I’m Nicole Byrne, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Pasadena, California. I work with high-achieving, emotionally attuned women across California and Nevada—offering online therapy that’s compassionate, grounded, and real.
I specialize in helping women who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or burnt out—women who are praised for being strong and dependable, even while quietly unraveling inside. I know what that’s like, because I’ve lived it too.
My Healing Journey
My path to becoming a therapist began with my own healing. In my late teens and early twenties, I started therapy for the first time and met a few incredible clinicians who helped me reconnect with parts of myself I had long ignored.
That experience was life-changing. It taught me to be curious rather than furious, to relate to my pain with care instead of criticism, and to shift from feeling “not enough” to knowing I am worthy—mess and all.
My journey hasn’t been linear. It’s been full of detours, discoveries, and growth. And that’s exactly how healing works. It’s why I believe therapy isn’t just a place to talk—it’s a space to be real, build insight, and begin living in a way that actually feels like you again.
I’m Intentional
As a mom of two and an empathic introvert, I know what it’s like to give so much of yourself that burnout feels inevitable. I’ve spent much of my life as a nurturer—someone who notices, cares, and holds space for others.
But I’ve also learned the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
I’m a recovering people-pleaser and rule-follower who once believed self-sacrifice was just part of being “a good person.” Over time, I’ve discovered that prioritizing your own well-being isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
Whether it’s hiking, eating yummy food, laughing with my kids, or connecting with friends, I’ve learned to create space for what truly matters: my energy, my joy, my growth. And that’s the kind of space I now help others create in therapy—so you can stop running on empty and start living in alignment with who you are.
Let’s Work Together:
If you’re ready to move from merely surviving to truly thriving, I’m here to support you.
I’ve always believed that being a therapist means being a lifelong learner. My work is deeply informed by evidence-based modalities—and by my commitment to staying current, curious, and connected to the real struggles my clients face.
Degrees
BA in Sociology with an emphasis in social services, Minor in Spanish. UC Davis 2006
MA in Counseling Psychology, John F. Kennedy University, 2013
Licensure
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #90540 California, #1026 Nevada
Certifications
Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), January 2020 | Dr. Philip Manfield
Trained in Flash Technique, February 2020, Advanced Trained in June 2020 | Dr. Philip Manfield
Trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Immersion (ACT), January 2023 | Dr. Steven Hayes
Trained in Trauma Focused ACT, June 2024 | Dr. Russ Harris
Trained in ACT for Perfectionism and People Pleasing, February 2025 | Dr. Russ Harris
Modalities
Therapy with me is grounded in evidence-based practices that help you not just understand what’s going on—but actually shift it. Here's a look at how we might work together:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps you get clear on your values, step back from self-critical thoughts, and start living with more freedom and intention.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):A powerful tool for processing and releasing the emotional charge of past traumas—so they no longer hijack your present.
Flash Technique: A gentle, effective approach for reducing trauma-related distress—especially helpful when the pain feels too big to touch directly.
Mindfulness and DBT: Practical tools for staying grounded, regulating emotions, and navigating anxious, self-critical thought patterns with more ease.
Rates
50-minutes
Individual Therapy: $250
90-minutes
Extended Therapy: $375
Therapy is an investment in your emotional well-being—and your ability to show up more fully in your life, relationships, and work. I aim to make our work together both meaningful and effective, grounded in your goals and what you want to change.
Most of my clients attend weekly sessions and find therapy most impactful when they commit to at least fifteen sessions. From there, we adjust based on your needs and progress. Most of my clients stay for approximately one year, others find value in longer-term work.
I understand this is a financial commitment—and I also know the cost of staying stuck can be just as real. We’ll work together to make sure therapy feels purposeful and supportive every step of the way.
FAQs
+ Do you take insurance?
I am in network with Aetna and United. For the remaining insurance plans, I am considered an out-of-network provider. I can provide clients a billing statement at the end of each month to be submitted for reimbursement for clients with PPO, HSA, or other flexible benefits. I encourage all my clients to speak with their insurance company about reimbursement for some portion of therapy.
+ How does online therapy work?
We will meet online via a video call for a 50 minute session. There is no arriving at my office frazzled from a commute. All you need is a comfortable private space, good internet, and a tablet, laptop, smart phone, or personal computer and we’ll talk together! I use Google Meet, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, which has been optimized for the unique requirements of psychotherapy. It’s also very user friendly!
+ Is online therapy a good fit for me?
This platform tends to work especially well with people who have busy schedules and/or prefer not to commute more than what is necessary—and those with a reliable, high-speed internet connection. These sessions also allow more flexibility in scheduling.
+ What can I expect from online therapy?
Once you’ve scheduled your first session with me and have filled out the initial paperwork, I will send you a link to my online therapy waiting room. At the time of your scheduled session, all you need to do is click on the link you received via email and our video call will start shortly after you sign in. It really is that easy!
+ How do I get started?
Click “Schedule an Appointment” below, to reserve a time to talk now, or fill out my contact form to coordinate a time together. If we're a good fit to work together, we’ll craft and implement a plan so that you can live the life you want to live.