Hi! I’m Nicole

Starting the journey of self-discovery can be … a lot. The roads we walk towards authenticity are complex and non-linear, and it’s crucial to feel understood and valued along the way.

I’m here to walk alongside you, offering validation and support as you explore parts of yourself that may have been hidden or marginalized.

I provide a person-centered therapeutic relationship characterized by radical validation and unconditional positive regard, so that you can feel safe, seen, and supported on your voyage.

Together, we’ll approach the therapeutic relationship in a collaborative way, focusing on your strengths, helping you to deepen agency, accountability, and self-awareness, and emphasizing compassion and empathy throughout treatment.

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Qualifications

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Masters, Illinois, License No. 149.022026

  • Recent ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) 

  • Somatic Experiencing (SE) practitioner in-training (ongoing)

  • Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP) trained and certified

  • Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Training & Certification, 2025

  • Trained and certified in Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) and Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

  • 40-hr. Sexual Assault Training certified by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) and Resilience (formerly Rape Victim Advocates) 

  • Master’s degrees in Social Work and the Humanities with a focus on Gender and Sexuality Studies/Transgender Identity, both from the University of Chicago

  • Extensive experience working with codependency, substance abuse, trauma, relationships (both monogamous and non-monogamous), and issues faced specifically by LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, spanning the Chicago Center for Psychotherapy, Northwestern University's Student Health Center, Resilience, and Howard Brown Health Center

  • Extensive crisis counseling experience in a variety of emergency rooms across the Chicago area

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Specialties & Clinical Interests

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Anxiety & Depression

  • Codependency & Attachment-Centered Work

  • Co-Parenting Counseling

  • Fat Liberation

  • Grief and Loss

  • Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs)

  • Life Transitions

  • Mindfulness Skills

  • Neurodivergence and Executive Functioning Differences (including ADHD & Autism)

  • Parenting & Work/Life Balance Issues

  • Polyamory/Non-Monogamy

  • Relationship Issues

  • Self Esteem

  • Sexual orientation, gender identity, and kink identity development and exploration

  • Stress Management & Vicarious Trauma Recovery for those in helping professions (i.e., therapists, healthcare professionals, teachers, etc.)

  • Supervision & Consultation for therapists and counselors

  • Transgender Identity

  • Trauma & PTSD

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Specialty Populations

  • Individuals (Children, Adolescents and Adults)

  • Relationships (of all kinds)

  • Neurodivergent folk & Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs)

  • Parents who are separating or divorced and are interested in co-parenting counseling

  • Therapists and counselors seeking professional supervision and/or consultation

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Preferred Modalities

  • Antiracist & Intersectional Feminist Perspective

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Feminist Relational Theory

  • Harm Reduction

  • Imago Relationship Therapy

  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

  • Kink-, Sex- and Body-Positive Approach

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • LGBQ+ and TGNC Affirmative Practice

  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy

  • Person-Centered, Insight Oriented, and Strengths-Based Approach

  • Relational Psychotherapy

  • Somatic Experiencing (SE)

  • Trauma-Informed Practice

Let’s Connect

Ready to feel supported? Contact me today to schedule your intro session and start building the tools for a calmer, healthier tomorrow. ☀️

I’m excited to help guide you on your journey to becoming your most joyful & authentic self.

Reach out today!