Nancy Picunko

I believe it’s important for clients to know who you're sitting across from. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and I bring both professional training and real-life experience into my work.

I have lived experience that allows me to connect with clients in a genuine, down-to-earth way. I understand that life can be messy, change isn’t always straightforward, and sometimes you just need someone who gets it and will be real with you.

I was born and raised on Long Island and went to Ithaca College for undergrad. Before kids, I worked in NYC in advertising for the home furnishings business then was a stay at home mom. Our family moved to California and continued my education earning certification in alcohol and drug counseling before earning my Master’s in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling.

Outside of my work, I’m married and have two adult sons. My personal and professional experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the challenges that come with relationships, family dynamics, and navigating different stages of life.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, honest, and practical. I see therapy as a partnership—we work together to understand what’s going on, identify patterns, and find tools that actually help in your day-to-day life.

I’m a good listener, and I’ll always meet you with compassion and respect. At the same time, I’m direct. I believe in gently challenging unhelpful patterns, cognitive distortions, and behaviors that may be keeping you stuck, while also supporting you every step of the way.

I use an integrative approach and tailor it based on your needs, sine of the modalities are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma informed care, relapse prevention. Whether we’re working through addiction, relationship issues, life transitions, and/or anxiety, depression, my goal is to help you build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change in a non judgmental, comfortable space where you can be heard and move forward.

Starting therapy can feel a little intimidating, so my goal in the first session is to help you feel as comfortable as possible. We’ll go at your pace—there’s no pressure to share everything all at once.

The first session is really about getting to know you. I’ll ask some questions about what’s bringing you in, your background, and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. It’s also a chance for you to get a feel for me and how I work.

I approach this conversation with curiosity, compassion, and respect. I’m here to listen and understand, not judge. At the same time, I may gently offer observations or ask questions that help us start making connections.

We’ll also begin to talk about goals and what you’d like to change or improve, and I’ll share how I can support you in that process. By the end of the session, you should have a clearer sense of what working together might look like.

Most importantly, you can expect a space where you can be real, feel heard, and start taking that first step toward change!