Meet Our Team

Nicole Carson, LMFT #99765
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Clinical Supervisor

Welcome! I’m Nicole Carson, Licensed Holistic Psychotherapist & Founder, President & CEO of High Hopes Counseling.

With over 25 years of experience, I’ve dedicated my career to working with children and families impacted by generational trauma, behavioral and mental health conditions. 

My journey has taken me through a variety of roles, including special education counseling, K-12 substitute teaching, college-level psychology instruction, and leadership positions such as program specialist and assistant principal. I’ve done this all while managing my own children’s special needs as a single parent.

I received my M.A. degree in Counseling Psychology and my Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in school counseling from the University of Redlands. Now, along with High Hopes, I am the CEO of Barefoot Therapist Counseling Services, a private practice that supports women in overcoming obstacles and finding their authentic selves.

At High Hopes, I’m proud to support the mental health of our community and guide graduate students on their educational journey. More than 30 years ago, I received therapy using the student-teaching method, and as a graduate student, I offered therapy in the same way. Applying the student-teaching model to High Hopes Counseling allows us to provide accessible services at a reduced fee.

I believe the challenging life experiences we have along our personal journey offer us the opportunity to grow, if we’re brave enough to look inward.

Thank you for trusting us to support you and your family on this magical journey called life!

Dawn Spicer
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

Hi, I’m Dawn Spicer! I’m a student at National University pursuing my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. 

With my background working in behavioral health, I’m committed to helping individuals navigate their personal mental wellness journeys.

As a proud mom of two adult children, I completely understand the complexities of family dynamics. So, I try to incorporate some of my own personal experiences into my counseling practice to connect better with clients. With my person-centered and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, I empower clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

Every person is unique and deserves personalized care that meets their needs. We’ll explore which techniques will best suit you to identify patterns, challenge negative self-talk, and foster positive change.

Supervised by Nicole Carson, LMFT #99765

Alex Barber
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

Hello, I’m Alex, a passionate Marriage and Family Therapist trainee. I am currently pursuing a dual Master’s and Licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy and Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling at Touro University.

I specialize in attachment-based modalities and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) with a strong focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I understand how clients form emotional bonds with others. Then, I work with them to set goals and intentions that’ll create lasting, positive change. 

My goal is to help you find healthier coping mechanisms and increase your self-development!

Supervised by Nicole Carson, LMFT #99765