Nicole Knowlton
Together, we will create a non-judgmental space that assumes that everyone wants to love and be loved. We’ll use a both-and approach, where everyone’s feelings are valid, everyone’s behavior makes sense as a communication, and everyone has an important role in co-creating family culture. We’ll focus on cultivating curiosity and acceptance through reflective listening and validation.
Nicole specializes in couples retreats offered over Zoom or in-person in Southern California.
At A Glace
Specialities & Certifications
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Associate Marriage/Family Therapist
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Neurodiverse Individual and Couples Specialist
Life Experience
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Nicole is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.
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In addition to her couples therapy and coaching, Nicole has a mediation private practice in Irvine, California. She also facilitates Batterer’s Intervention Groups, teaches parenting and anger management groups, and helps clients and families combat addiction.
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Nicole has worked in County Health, non-profit, the court system and has been a clinician and advocate since 2004.
Education
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Undergraduate degree in Business,
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Double Master’s degree in Psychology and Alternate Dispute Resolution
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Juris Doctorate degree
Nicole's Story
Childhood
Ever since childhood I knew I was different. I didn’t enjoy the same things as my female peers yet I yearned to be included. I had an older sister and looked to her to guide me. I mimicked her and my female peers. Yet, left to my own decision-making I would gladly go days without bathing, brushing my hair or changing out of my favorite comfy clothes. My very first word was ‘book’ and my ideal relaxation place has always been in a library reading and learning information about psychology, behavior and the law.
Masking
To blend in with others, like many other Aspie women, I have masked. I became a fashionista and memorized Emily Post books. I obtained a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy & Conflict Resolution. I even attended law school. I learned about how neurotypical people navigated life, relationships, and conflict. I’ve learned how to blend in and go undetected, much to my detriment. Since youth I’ve had bouts of suicidal ideation because I felt so disconnected and received many different mental health diagnoses that didn’t fit or help.
Discovery
Not until my 40's did I learn I had Asperger’s. Female symptomology looks much different than it does in males. We tend to have a specific image of what being on the spectrum looks like and so many of us do not fit that image; yet, we do have ASD. Learning about my diagnosis has been life changing and I finally comfortably fit into my own skin. “Coming out” has answered so many questions and allowed me to live authentically. I’ve had friends reach out who have struggled similarly or saw signs in their daughters and we all deserve to feel comfortable and live authentically, embracing our differences.
Invitation
Please allow me to help you. I promise I will be compassionate and understanding. You deserve to experience the same healing that I have had. I look forward to hearing from you.
Other Areas
of Focus
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Autism-attuned Coaching
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Solution-Focused Brief (SFBT)
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Strength-Based
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Structural Family Therapy
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Trained in Neurodiverse (Autism & ADHD) Assessments
Clients
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Individuals
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Families
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Couples
Modalities
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Coaching
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
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Gottman Method
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
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Strength-Based
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Structural Family Therapy
License
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Registered Associate, AMFT# 122657
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Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452
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Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc.