Nicole Poell, psy.d.

I’m a Licensed (PSY 27350) Clinical Psychologist in Oakland with over 10 years of experience working with individuals from all paths of life. I received my doctorate from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. I have worked in private practice, schools, dual-diagnosis treatment programs, forensic programs, community mental health agencies as well as in a private practice clinic with an intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization program.

My clients struggle with life transitions, identity and sexuality, relationship issues, ADHD, depression, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and co-occurring disorders such as alcohol/substance abuse and chronic pain. I continuously educate myself by staying on top of research and reading books. I value continued professional development and regularly engage in professional learning opportunities such as trainings, seminars and workshops that further my ability to help individuals heal.

I also provide trainings, supervision and consultation.

I am a member of the California Psychological Association and Association of Contextual Behavioral Science.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance to establish a safe place for you to explore and process your struggles and challenges. I have a warm, compassionate, relational approach and will help you broaden your perspective and move toward changes that will make life more meaningful for you. I will embark on this journey and walk alongside you, both supporting you as well as challenging you to grow and create a fulfilling life.

All of my work is trauma focused and based on mindfulness and compassion practices. I follow the work of Steven Hayes, Russ Harris, Kristen Neff, Dan Siegel and Jon Kabat-Zinn as well as pioneers on trauma such as Bessel van der Kolk, Steven Porges, Peter Levine as well as Francine Shapiro.

I am originally from Austria, which has provided me with a unique perspective that is rooted in a collectivist culture and graduated in an individualistic culture. In addition, I have traveled the world extensively, which has impacted my worldview tremendously. This viewpoint has provided me with insight into and understanding of individuals’ lives from a variety of backgrounds.

My love for nature has informed my practice to a degree I would have never imagined. I perceive mindfulness meditation as much more than sitting still for 30 minutes and will help you find ways to integrate what you learn into your daily life in a way that fits you. Nature doesn’t judge but rather it exists fully. Mindfulness is not a skill, it’s a lifestyle.

I practice yoga and meditation as well as engage in my own therapy as a form of self-compassion and healing, through which I offer my own understanding of mind-body to guide your healing.

Having been an athlete compromised by injury, I have been especially keen on helping athletes accomplish their goals as well as help injured athletes adapt to their new life.