Business Details
Expert Infidelity Recovery Counseling in Laguna Beach
Kathy Nickerson, Phd is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience specializing in relationship recovery, particularly for couples navigating infidelity and betrayal trauma. Her practice combines trauma therapy techniques with evidence-based relationship healing methodologies, informed by her leadership in one of the largest clinical studies on infidelity. Dr. Nickerson has authored award-winning books, including The Courage to Stay and The Courage to Stay Journal, and has shared her expertise at over 70 conferences.Her work extends to digital resources, social media engagement, and free support groups, emphasizing accessible, practical tools for rebuilding trust and connection. With a background in domestic violence and child abuse response training, she brings a trauma-informed perspective to her clinical practice, serving clients in Southern California and globally through virtual consultations.
Services
Infidelity Counseling
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Support Groups
Coaching Consultations
Educational Resources
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of specialized experience in infidelity recovery.
- Our trauma-informed approach addresses root causes of betrayal trauma.
- Award-winning books provide actionable recovery frameworks.
- We combine 70+ conference presentations with clinical research insights.
- Digital resources and support groups ensure accessible healing tools.
What people say
Life-changing guidance
Compassionate understanding
Practical tools
Highly recommend
Truly listens
Services
Infidelity Counseling
Specialized therapy for couples healing from infidelity. Combines trauma recovery techniques with relationship repair strategies. Focuses on rebuilding trust, improving communication, and addressing underlying relationship patterns. Proven effective through clinical research and 25+ years of practice.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Addresses post-infidelity stress disorder using trauma recovery frameworks. Helps clients process emotional wounds, reduce hypervigilance, and restore emotional safety. Integrates cognitive-behavioral and emotion-focused techniques tailored to betrayal trauma symptoms.
Support Groups
Monthly masterclasses and weekly small groups for peer support. Includes free virtual meetings, recorded sessions, and private online communities. Facilitates connection between individuals sharing similar experiences of relationship betrayal and recovery journeys.
Coaching Consultations
Focused sessions providing actionable plans for relationship repair. Combines Gottman Method principles, emotionally focused therapy, and narrative techniques. Designed for couples seeking structured guidance without traditional weekly therapy commitments.
Educational Resources
Free digital guides, video content, and award-winning books for independent learning. Covers communication strategies, trust rebuilding, and preventing relationship sabotage. Includes workbooks and research-based frameworks for both betrayed and straying partners.
People
Kathy Nickerson
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed psychologist with 25+ years specializing in infidelity recovery. Author of award-winning books and researcher behind major clinical studies on betrayal trauma. Combines trauma therapy with relationship repair techniques in her Southern California practice.
Questions
Do you accept insurance for counseling sessions?
I don't bill insurance directly but provide invoices for possible reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, and HSA/FSA accounts often qualify.
What types of relationship issues do you specialize in?
My practice focuses on infidelity recovery and betrayal trauma, with additional expertise in communication issues, conflict resolution, and reconnecting disconnected couples.
How does a consultation differ from traditional therapy?
Consultations provide targeted action plans and skill-building in focused sessions rather than ongoing weekly therapy. Includes specific tools for communication, trust rebuilding, and relationship repair.
What happens during the first counseling session?
Initial consultations follow a structured approach: relationship history review, current concerns assessment, goal setting, and sample communication exercises with immediate feedback and personalized action plans.
Are there support options beyond individual counseling?
Yes, we offer free monthly masterclasses, weekly support groups, and private online communities for peer connection and ongoing support during the recovery process.
Videos
