Member Spotlight

Nicholas Ragano, AMFT

If there's one thing that's shaped both my career as a therapist and my experience with LA-CAMFT, it's the value of genuine connection. Whether I'm working with a teenager who's convinced no adult understands them, or collaborating with colleagues, or networking with a fellow professional, I've found that meaningful relationships are where growth begins.

I'm currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, and my clinical work has primarily focused on children, adolescents, and young adults. Those experiences—along with facilitating a domestic violence treatment group—have shaped my belief that people make the most progress when they feel understood before they feel challenged. I also try to bring warmth and humor into the therapy room whenever it's appropriate, because while therapy can involve difficult conversations, it doesn't have to feel cold or intimidating.

One fact about myself that often surprises people is that, before becoming a therapist, I spent years streaming on Twitch, playing video games, and building a community. Even today, I enjoy staying familiar with the games, music, and culture many teenagers are immersed in—not because I'm trying to be the "cool therapist," but because I genuinely enjoy understanding their world. The connection teenagers build with their online communities can be incredibly meaningful. Teenagers are also incredibly perceptive, and they can usually tell within a few minutes whether someone is authentically interested in getting to know them. I think taking the time to understand the things that matter to them helps build trust and creates a space where meaningful conversations can happen.

My introduction to LA-CAMFT couldn't have been a better reflection of the organization. I showed up to my first networking event excited, but when I checked in, they couldn't initially find my name in the system. While I waited, I spoke with the amazing LA-CAMFT members working the event and eventually I started handing out name tags, stickers, and pins to attendees. What could have been an awkward first experience ended up being one of the reasons I immediately felt at home. Everyone I met was welcoming, approachable, and genuinely interested in connecting. I remember driving home thinking, "This group feels different."

Since then, I've continued to attend LA-CAMFT events, trainings, and networking opportunities, and I've really enjoyed getting to know other members and learning more about the profession beyond my day-to-day clinical work. The Motivational Interviewing training gave me practical tools that immediately influenced my clinical work, and the Leadership Retreat left me feeling energized and excited about my future in this field. More than anything, I've appreciated the chance to build real connections with other clinicians—hearing their experiences, learning from their perspectives, and feeling part of a larger professional community.

As I continue to grow as a therapist, I'm excited to keep building those relationships in a more intentional way. My hope is to develop connections that last beyond events and trainings—so that over time, I can support fellow CAMFT members through referrals, collaboration, and consultation. I'm grateful to be part of a community that values connection and generosity, and I'm looking forward to continuing to grow alongside it.

Nicholas Ragano is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #162121) employed by Nick Bognar Therapy. He works with children, teens, and young adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, and self-esteem using CBT, IFS, and Narrative Therapy. Supervised by Nick Bognar, LMFT #99915. Learn more at www.nicholasragano.com.

LA-CAMFT invites two members each month to be featured in the Member Spotlight section of Voices - a new member (less than 5 years), alongside a long-time member (5+ years).  Candidates are chosen by current chapter leadership based on their regular participation in and contributions to LA-CAMFT. If you are an LA-CAMFT member and would like to be considered, please reach out to MembershipChair@LACAMFT.org and introduce yourself with the subject line “Member Spotlight Consideration” for more information.