Nico Sager

Nico Sager, MA, is a music therapist and creative arts practitioner who believes music has a remarkable ability to reach us in places where words sometimes cannot. He holds a Master’s degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Music Therapy from Naropa University and brings more than 20 years of experience supporting people through music, creativity, relationship, and community. What inspires Nico most about this work is witnessing the moments when people discover a new way to express themselves, connect with others, or feel more at home in their own experience.

Nico’s approach is person-centered, strengths-based, and experiential. He meets each client where they are, creating space for curiosity, play, expression, and genuine human connection. His work draws from counseling psychology, mindfulness, improvisational music, movement, guided imagery, and nervous-system regulation. He views music not simply as something we listen to or perform, but as something we can experience together—a pathway for emotional expression, regulation, confidence, connection, and meaning.

Nico has worked with a wide range of populations, with particular depth of experience supporting older adults and individuals experiencing cognitive, physical, behavioral, and mental health challenges. He spent nearly 17 years with On Lok PACE as an Activity Therapy Clinical Specialist, developing and leading creative arts and therapeutic programming across multiple sites. His clinical experience also includes inpatient and community mental health, individual and group music therapy, and private practice. Across these settings, Nico has found that some of the most meaningful work begins simply by being present, listening deeply, and finding the music that is already there.

Outside of clinical work, Nico is the founder of Ocean Drum, a community music therapy project that brings people together through collective drumming in outdoor spaces. He is passionate about creating accessible, joyful opportunities for people to experience the connection and release that can come from a shared rhythm. When he isn't working with clients, Nico enjoys making and performing music, spending time with family, being outdoors, and discovering the many ways music can turn an ordinary moment into something a little more magical.

Nico works off-site for EBAT providing music therapy groups at Sutter Health Mills Peninsula Medical Center (Adult & Adolescent Psychiatric Units) in San Mateo, CA.