Business Details
Your Trusted Psychotherapy Partner in Encinitas, CA
At Tea & Empathy Counseling, we believe healing begins with deep presence, warmth, and connection. Founded on the principle that therapy should feel like a safe, nurturing space, our practice emphasizes the importance of empathy and human relationship in overcoming life's challenges. With over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, our founder integrates a holistic approach to support clients in navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties. Our methodology draws from Somatic Experiencing, a body-oriented psychotherapy that empowers individuals to reclaim their innate capacity for resilience and joy.We specialize in working with creative professionals, healers, and those seeking deeper self-understanding, offering personalized sessions that honor each client's unique journey. Our commitment to cultural sensitivity and global perspective is reflected in decades of teaching multicultural counseling and providing services to diverse populations. While rooted in California, our remote consultations and workshops extend support to clients worldwide, fostering healing across borders. We prioritize creating an environment where clients feel immediately at ease, ensuring therapy becomes a collaborative and transformative experience.
Services
Psychotherapy
Somatic Experiencing
Trauma Counseling
Workshops
Consultations
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of clinical experience since 1997
- Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner since 2005
- Specialized training in trauma recovery and body-oriented psychotherapy
- Extensive teaching background at UC San Diego and National University
- Culturally responsive care for diverse client populations
Associations and certifications
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences
- Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute
Services
Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy sessions address anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges through client-centered approaches. Combining traditional talk therapy with somatic awareness, we help clients process emotional distress while developing practical coping strategies. Sessions emphasize creating safety and empowerment for lasting personal growth.
Somatic Experiencing
Trauma resolution using Somatic Experiencing techniques that regulate nervous system responses to overwhelming experiences. This gentle, body-awareness approach helps clients rebuild resilience and process traumatic memories without retraumatization. Sessions focus on restoring natural self-regulation patterns for improved emotional well-being.
Trauma Counseling
Specialized trauma counseling for survivors of complex trauma, including cult experiences and politically motivated torture. Drawing from 19 years of service with Survivors of Torture International, sessions integrate multicultural sensitivity with evidence-based interventions to support safe healing and reintegration.
Workshops
Educational workshops on trauma recovery, high-conflict divorce strategies, and multicultural counseling. Designed for both professionals and the general public, these sessions combine theoretical knowledge with practical tools for personal and professional development in mental health contexts.
Consultations
Global consultation services for mental health professionals seeking guidance on trauma treatment and body-oriented psychotherapy. Drawing from extensive teaching experience, consultations provide expert insights into complex cases and therapeutic approaches for improved clinical outcomes.
People
Nicola M-L Ranson
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Nicola Ranson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in trauma therapy. Certified in Somatic Experiencing since 2005, she has taught at National University and UC San Diego. Her practice integrates body-mind techniques with traditional psychotherapy for holistic healing.
Questions
What types of issues do you specialize in treating?
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma (including complex PTSD), relationship difficulties, and challenges faced by creative professionals and spiritual seekers.
Are sessions available outside California?
While licensed to provide psychotherapy in California, I offer remote consultations and workshops to clients worldwide through secure telehealth platforms.
What is Somatic Experiencing therapy?
Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented trauma therapy that helps regulate nervous system responses to overwhelming experiences. It focuses on restoring natural self-regulation patterns to improve emotional well-being.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard sessions last 50 minutes, with extended sessions available for specialized needs. Workshop durations vary based on specific program requirements.
Do you accept insurance?
I operate as a private pay practitioner. Clients may receive documentation for potential out-of-network insurance reimbursement or use flexible spending accounts.
Can you provide speaking engagements?
Yes, I offer presentations on trauma recovery, multicultural counseling, and high-conflict divorce strategies for professional organizations and community groups.
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