Bio
Dr. Nancy Wesson Bio
Friendly, Personal, Private assistance from an experienced psychologist
Professional Background and counseling approach:
- Licensed Psychologist: PSY 9621
- Over 25 years of counseling and clinical experience
- 15 years of experience teaching group psychotherapy courses. (Trained by Irvin Yalom, MD, and the American Group Psychotherapy Association.)
- Founder and President of the Center for the Study of Group Psychotherapy (CSGP.org), a nonprofit training organization
- Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association (National Recognition)
- 1999 and 2015 President of Santa Clara County Psychological Association
- Located in Mountain View, California
See my complete CV here.
Professional Background
I received a Ph.D. in psychology from United States International University (now Alliant International University) in San Diego with specialized training in clinical and counseling psychology. I am licensed as a Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor and I am a licensed psychologist and a fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. I am a founding member of the National Association of Certified Group Psychotherapists.
I am also the founder and president of the Center for the Study of Group Psychotherapy, whose mission is to promote group psychotherapy and train group psychotherapists. I have served as president of Santa Clara County Psychological Association both in 1999 and 2015. I have 10 years of experience as a board member.
I belong to nine professional organizations. I teach continuing education courses on Group Psychotherapy and I have given several professional-level presentations and workshops on shyness/social anxiety, relationship issues, codependency, and group psychotherapy.
How Psychotherapy/Counseling/Group psychotherapy support can help you
In my approach to counseling, I emphasize self-understanding leading to behavioral change.
Because good psychotherapy puts you and your concerns at the center stage of a counseling relationship, you have the opportunity to talk about yourself, explore your own feelings and life experiences, and come to understand your patterns of behavior. Through this process, you begin to understand your needs and learn how to become more assertive in getting them met. You develop positive healthy self-esteem and a stronger sense of self.
In psychotherapy, it has been my experience that most people make profound life changes for the better. Many of these life changes are in the form of bringing more people into their lives, experiencing more rewarding relationships, and changing patterns of behavior.
In Group Psychotherapy you are part of a small group of members who are also working on their issues. Through the group support of peers, acceptance, understanding of your issues, and gentle feedback you grow and improve your relationship skills. You learn to relate better with others and are more at ease. This is a supportive team approach. You work with caring for others to develop the life you would like to lead.
Areas of Specialization in Private Practice
In my approach to counseling, I emphasize self-understanding leading to behavioral change.
- Counseling for individuals for relationship issues, loneliness, and social isolation, social anxiety, self-esteem.
- Stress management, time management, depression, and anxiety.
- Codependency, Adult Children of Alcoholics, childhood trauma/abuse. Family of origin issues that interfere with your life.
- Singles issues-dating, meeting new people, commitment issues.
- Group Psychotherapy for relationship issues and skills, self-esteem, social isolation, and
- Interpersonal Skills to develop healthier ways of relating to others.
Professional Experience
Over the time I have been in private practice, I have developed a specialization in working with social anxiety, codependency, Adult Children of Alcoholics, and relationship issues. In order to develop these areas of special focus, I have actively studied and developed methods for working effectively with my clients on these issues.
Professional Presentations
Clinical training presentations:
- Northern California Group Psychotherapy Association: Group therapy presentation -1996
- Calif. Psychological Association: Effective and Dynamic Psychotherapy Groups, Annual Conference -1996
- California Psychological Association: Avoidant Personality Disorder (social anxiety), Annual Conference -1997
- Northern California Group Psychotherapy Society Clinical Conference: Too shy to trust, too quiet in group, working with shy and avoidant clients in group psychotherapy-2000
- Northern California Group Psychotherapy Society Clinical Conference: Benefits of the Clinical Summary in Group Psychotherapy-2002
- California Psychological Association: Effective and Dynamic Psychotherapy Groups, Annual Conference-2003
- Northern California Group Psychotherapy Clinical Conference: Personality factors and group psychotherapy leadership:2004.
- California Psychological Association: Working with children and adults in group psychotherapy: 2006
- Northern California Group Psychotherapy Clinical Conference: Maximizing the power of group psychotherapy: 2006
- Northern California Group Psychotherapy Clinical Conference: Too Shy to trust: too quiet in group: working with shy clients in group psychotherapy: 2008
- Santa Clara County Psychological Association: The Essentials for Starting and Leading successful psychotherapy groups:2009
- Center for the Study of Group Psychotherapy: Successful Therapy Groups: The Ins and Outs, 2017
American Group Psychotherapy Association
- Conference-Connect 2015 workshop presentation: Mindful Self-esteem practices within a psychotherapy group.
- Conference Connect 2021 Workshop: Out of this world and into Group: Group as a Whole Concepts and Interventions. .
- AGPA Conference Connect 2023 Workshop: Out of this world and into Group: Group as a Whole Concepts and Interventions.
- AGPA Connect Committee for Connect 2020- Worked with presenters, observed presentations and gave feedback to presenters with a formal evaluation.
- AGPA E-learning committee: 2018-2021: Assisted with e-learning presentations. Assisted presenters write proposals and provided guidance for presentations. Observed online presentations and wrote evaluations for presentations. Assisted chair in developing committee structure and other misc. activities.
- Membership and Engagement Committee: Assisted with contacting of AGPA members who had not renewed their membership. Promoted AGPA free memberships on Listservs for several organizations. Offered free AGPA memberships to several therapists.
- 2023 Led a probono mentorship group for new AGPA members interested in starting psychotherapy groups.
- Connect Committee for AGPA annual conference 2020-2025 Worked with presenters, observed presentations and gave feedback to presenters with a formal evaluation.
Staff Training and Consultation:
- Staff Training: Family Services, Inc.: Group Therapy -1995
- Staff Training: Group Psychotherapy and social anxiety: Santa Clara University Counseling Center -1995
- Staff Training: Working with Shy Clients in Counseling: Stanford University Counseling Center – 1998
- Staff and Intern training: Life Moves, a nonprofit organization, Group Therapy, and Mindful Self-esteem, 2016
Professional Affiliations
- American Psychological Association:Life member
- American Group Psychotherapy Association
- California Psychological Association: Life member
- Santa Clara County Psychological Association (Board Member: 1995- 2000, 2014-2016, President 1999, President, 2015).
- San Mateo County Psychological Association:Life Member
- Northern California Group Psychotherapy Society Bay Area Psychological Association:Life Member
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Helping You Heal, Grow, and Connect
I’m a Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience helping people overcome emotional struggles, improve relationships, and live more meaningful lives. I provide both individual and group psychotherapy using an attachment-based approach—a powerful way of understanding how early experiences shape who we are today.
I work with adults who are successful in many areas of life, but feel stuck when it comes to emotional connection, self-confidence, or relationships. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or long-standing relationship patterns, therapy can help you make sense of what you’re feeling and learn new ways of being.
My Approach
What makes therapy with me different is the combination of deep clinical knowledge and a human, compassionate connection. My work is grounded in attachment theory, which means we focus not just on symptoms, but on the emotional patterns and past experiences that shape your present. Together, we create a space where you feel truly seen, understood, and supported.
In our work together, you’ll be encouraged to:
- Explore the roots of your anxiety, depression, or disconnection
- Build stronger, healthier relationships—both with others and with yourself
- Learn how to set boundaries, express your needs, and connect authentically
Why I Do This Work?
I’ve spent decades helping people understand themselves better, find emotional relief, and become more open to life and relationships. Therapy is not about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you discover your own clarity, strength, and direction. It’s a privilege to walk alongside people as they heal and grow.
Let’s Talk
If you’re ready to take the first step, I offer a free 20-minute consultation to help us get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit.