Dr. Nitsa Dimitrakos

“One who looks outside, dreams. One who looks inside, awakens.” ― Carl Jung

The human psyche is dynamic, highly intelligent, and designed for survival.

As someone who has always been fascinated by the whys and hows of nature, psychology is more than just a career—it’s a calling.  Just as nature perpetuates certain cycles and patterns, I operate my practice with the profound understanding that we, as humans, maintain an endless capacity for growth, healing, and change.

My Background

I hold a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Depth Psychology and am licensed in the State of California. For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by nature and the natural world. As a child, I spent endless hours observing life cycles and behaviors of insects, animals, plants, trees, and the weather. My closely-knit relationship to nature cultivated in me the ability to deeply understand and predict patterns, which is a big part of my work as a psychologist. Nature also instilled in me the capacity to honor the cycle of change and to respect the importance it holds.  Eventually, my curiosities and academic pursuits led me to the writings of Carl Jung and depth psychology, and from there, my life’s calling as a depth psychologist was realized.

My work as a psychologist is also informed by my Greek heritage. As a first-generation Greek American, mythology and mourning rituals were a big part of my upbringing. Exposure to these wise stories and practices taught me the importance of community and strengthened my relationship to the unknown. I learned early on that the process of enduring loss involves honoring and integrating it into the human experience, as opposed to cutting it off. My Greek cultural background not only informs the theoretical aspects of my practice; it encourages a more open, humble, and culturally sensitive approach to the work I do with each individual client.

My Counseling Style

My personal and professional philosophy is grounded in curiosity and a deep respect and appreciation for nature, which has cultivated in me a strong capacity for being still, secure, and deeply present for my clients. My strong relationship to nature and the unknown allows me to welcome and explore liminal spaces in the therapeutic environment. Rather than forcing change, I hold space for a range of possibilities and encourage the natural mechanisms of the psyche to shift towards healing. 

“Start Close In” – David Whyte

Being a psychodynamically oriented psychologist, I believe the unconscious holds the key to understanding and healing root issues. From this perspective, any emotional, mental, relational, or even physical issue can be understood and addressed in an effective and meaningful way.

I work with individuals in therapy who are struggling with grief, loss, life transitions, and relationship issues. Allowing the unconscious aspects of challenging thoughts and feelings to inform the work, I aim to help clients identify patterns and develop life-changing insights about the deeper meaning of their experiences. I specialize in dream analysis and the use of symbolism and metaphor; however, my practice also involves integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with psychodynamic therapies when necessary. I’ve completed internship training at the C.G. Jung Institute in San Francisco and working from a Jungian perspective is just one aspect of what makes my therapeutic approach engaging and unique.

I am genuinely invested in hearing and understanding my clients’ stories, and I pay attention to details and patterns that may otherwise get overlooked. Along with the creativity, passion, imagination, and insight I bring to the counseling space, I also invite humor. A deep and profound curiosity propels me to maintain an active, engaging presence when working with clients, and I love the interpersonal nature of my work.

Outside Of The Counseling Space

I have been teaching courses in Psychology for nearly two decades. Currently, I am a core faculty professor in the Counseling Psychology Department at Pacifica Graduate Institute, teaching courses on the theory and practice of psychotherapy in both the MA and PsyD programs. Before beginning my private practice, I worked as a clinical director at a nonprofit community mental health agency. Through this position, I had the opportunity to engage in meaningful community education and outreach while also overseeing all clinic operations and programs. I pride myself on being both a clinician and an academic, and I have enjoyed presenting my research at psychological conferences both in the U.S. and Internationally.

When I’m not working with clients, teaching, or doing research, I take any chance I can to be in nature, whether swimming, gardening, or getting lost in new, unknown territories. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to Greece regularly and enjoy engaging my heritage through Greek cuisine, dance, music, and storytelling. Writing also plays a big part of my life, and I continue to chronicle my dreams, poetry, thoughts, feelings, and adventures in journals, which I’ve diligently kept since age ten.

“Everything Is Waiting For You” – David Whyte

My therapeutic approach empowers clients to explore the unconscious, find deeper meanings and engage their natural healing potentials. Let’s schedule a free, 15-minute consultation to find out more about if we’re a good match.

Dr. Nitsa Dimitrakos is a culturally sensitive clinical psychologist serving clients throughout California. She holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology and has completed internship training at the Carl Jung Institute of San Francisco.

Published Works

“Maiden of the Mer: An Imaginal Approach to Unsilencing Female Voice” (Other/Wise, 2020).