Meet Nicolette

(she/her)

I’m a licensed clinical social worker associate (LSWAIC) and therapist in Washington State. I started Golden Story Therapy to help adults who want to make changes in their life but feel stuck, anxious, unsure, and need some support. My own ‘golden story’ has many moments of change, including a cross-country move and a career change after more than a decade in the corporate world. I understand what it’s like to want to rewrite your story, and it’s why I’m so passionate about supporting others in doing the same.

I obtained my Masters of Social Work from University of Washington with a concentration in integrated health and mental health, which informs my approach to therapy in looking at all the parts of you and your well-being. My undergraduate degree is from The University of Texas at Austin.

Before starting Golden Story Therapy, I was honored to be a staff therapist at MEND Seattle. In addition to my work at Golden Story Therapy, I support therapists-in-training through mentorship and teaching. Outside of the therapeutic space, I like to go on walks with my dogs, read, and eat ice cream from every local shop I can find.

Woman standing in front of a row of trees, smiling and wearing an orange top.

Nicolette Moore Rutan (she/her)

Founder, Therapist, Clinical Social Worker Associate - MSW & LSWAIC

About My Practice

My clinical orientation uses a solutions-focused, relational approach. I’ve been told I have a warm, empathetic style and a calming presence. Our therapy space is judgment-free and you’ll find that I throw in some humor when it makes sense. Therapy doesn't always have to be heavy–we can laugh, too.

Above all, I want you to feel comfortable in our work together. Television and movies can make therapy look stuffy and impersonal, but that’s not how I do things. You’ll get me as I really am and in turn, I hope you find you can be your full self with me, too.

My work is rooted in social justice, and I work with and welcome people of all identities, backgrounds, and lifestyles. Part of my therapeutic approach includes exploring how oppressive systems (racism, homophobia, ageism, sexism, transphobia, ableism, sizeism, etc.) impact you, your story, and your overall health and well-being.

My commitment is that therapy will be a collaborative space to share your story. I promise it will always be received with full acceptance, but I’m not going to just sit there and nod. We’ll work together to get what you want out of therapy, centering your identities, experiences, and goals. In doing so you will be able to develop deeper self-compassion and confidence, navigate life’s challenges, and build the story and life you want for yourself and your future.

Topics that frequently come up in my specialty area are below. If you’re here it is likely that some or many of these apply to you. Therapy often covers overlapping themes, so it’s common to see yourself in more than one of these bullets.

  • Anxiety

  • Attachment

  • Boundaries

  • Burnout & stress

  • Career & changing careers

  • Grief

  • Identity exploration

  • Life transitions & adjustments

  • Loneliness & relationship challenges

  • Overthinking & overfunctioning

  • Parenting

  • People-pleasing & perfectionism

  • Self-worth & self-compassion

  • Trauma

I’d love to support you and your story. Explore how we can work together below.