Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 110 ratings

Prem Nikoniuk

LCPC, 24 years of experience

Direct
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Virtual
Next available on

About me

Who I Am Hi, I’m a psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience—and I still wake up every day passionate about helping people heal and grow. Therapy, to me, is about more than problem-solving; it’s about reconnecting with yourself, rediscovering your strengths, and creating lasting change. I bring empathy, authenticity, and a laid-back, nonjudgmental vibe to my work. My approach blends evidence-based practices like CBT, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness with a deep respect for each client’s unique journey. I also bring the perspective of someone who’s walked through the trenches of life—childhood abuse, trauma, tragedy, and the challenges that come with being human. Those experiences don’t define me, but they do shape the way I connect—with honesty, compassion, and a real understanding of what it means to struggle and to heal. At the heart of my practice is creating a space where you can show up exactly as you are—no pressure, no judgment. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back, tap into your resilience, and build tools to move forward with clarity, confidence, and hope. Helping people heal isn’t just my profession—it’s my calling, and it’s an honor to walk alongside others on their journey.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our First Session In our first session, my priority is to create a safe, welcoming space where you can take a breath and share your story at your own pace. We’ll have an open conversation about what’s bringing you to therapy, the challenges you’re facing, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I may ask questions to better understand your history, relationships, symptoms, and goals — but there’s never any pressure to go deeper than you’re ready for. This time is also about you getting a sense of me — how I work, the energy I bring, and whether it feels like the right fit. I want you to feel free to ask questions, be curious, and notice how the space feels for you. By the end of our first session, my hope is that you leave feeling heard, supported, and even a little lighter — with a sense of clarity and hope about the path forward.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My Greatest Strengths I provide a warm, grounded, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly seen and safe—especially when navigating complex emotions or major life transitions. While I lean on evidence-based approaches like CBT, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness, I also bring a laid-back, down-to-earth presence that helps clients feel comfortable opening up. One of my greatest strengths is guiding people to uncover the deeper patterns behind their pain, while also helping them build self-awareness and practical tools for real change. My work is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and a touch of spiritual insight (without the dogma). I draw inspiration from my own love of travel, exploration, and learning about the world—reminding clients that healing can be an adventure too. Clients often share that they feel deeply understood and supported in our work together—and that they leave sessions not only with clarity and emotional strength, but also with the confidence to live more authentically and joyfully.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Who I Work Best With I love working with people who are ready to get real with themselves — the ones who feel stuck, weighed down, or just out of sync with who they truly are. My clients often deal with anxiety, depression, past trauma, codependency, or struggles in their relationships. Some come to me in the middle of big life changes, while others simply feel disconnected and want to reconnect with their authentic self. You don’t have to have it all figured out — you just need to be open to exploring your inner world with honesty and curiosity. Together, we’ll build tools for calming your nervous system, setting healthier boundaries, speaking your truth, and healing old wounds. I bring a mix of professional expertise and a grounded, spiritual (but not religious) approach. I’m laid-back, real, and here to create a safe space where you can laugh, cry, reflect, and grow without judgment. If you’re willing to lean into the work — even when it’s uncomfortable — and you’re craving a shift from just surviving to actually thriving, then we’ll probably be a great match.

Specialties

Top specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Coping Skills

Other specialties

Anger Management
Bipolar Disorder
Couples Counseling
Family Conflict
Mood Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Phobias
Self Esteem

I identify as

Woman

Serves ages

Adults (18 to 64)
Teenagers (13 to 17)

My treatment methods

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

With extensive experience using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I’ve found it to be a transformative approach—particularly for clients navigating relationship difficulties, emotional disconnection, or unresolved attachment wounds. I have integrated EFT into my work with couples, individuals, and families to help them better understand the emotional patterns that keep them stuck and to foster deeper, more secure connections. In sessions, I use EFT to help clients: Identify and understand their emotional responses within relational dynamics. De-escalate reactive cycles that lead to disconnection or conflict. Access and express core needs and feelings in a safe, supportive space. Restructure interactions so that partners or family members respond to each other with empathy, vulnerability, and care. My focus is always to create a nonjudgmental, emotionally safe environment where clients can explore their experiences and begin to heal. By applying EFT techniques, I guide clients toward meaningful emotional engagement and lasting relational change.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

Open, caring and nonjudgmental, I will work together with you in an interactive and supportive process where you can grieve, grow, laugh and celebrate as you move towards healing and change. You are going to be OK, I am here to help.

Eclectic

I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionaaly-Focused Therapy, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Internal Family- Systems Therapy.

Couples Counseling

Marriage therapy and couples counseling is my forte. Relationships require work to grow. Several factors, both internal and external to the relationship, may contribute to difficulties and stress between couples. Becoming new parents, infidelity, sexual dissatisfaction, and money problems are common triggers of a shift or tension between partners. Sometimes, untreated individual disorders such as anxiety, anger management, or depression can cause or increase stress and strain on a relationship. Couples counseling is a type of psychotherapy that helps those involved in a romantic relationship gain insight into their interactions, identify negative communication styles, resolve conflict, and find strategies and tools to improve and strengthen the relationship. No matter your age, marital status, or sexual orientation, I will tailor treatment to the needs of each unique couple. I pride myself in valuing culture, race, religion, and gender as key components of identity within couples counseling.

Mind-body approach

My natural ability to connect with others, coupled with my unwavering dedication to meet their needs, has proven to be a powerful combination. Through my work, I have helped countless individuals overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those I serve, and I am committed to providing the highest level of care possible.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Alaska
Illinois

Accepts

Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 110 ratings

2 ratings with written reviews

July 25, 2025

Although I haven't had her as my therapist for a while, in the short time we spoke she gave me the hardest truth no one wants to hear. You HAVE to do it for yourself, no one can do it for you. Those stick with me to this day. Very great provider and immensely supportive!

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 2 with Prem

June 1, 2025

I really appreciated Prem's directness. I felt she could have come off a bit more warm though. (This may just be a personal preference - I would have felt more comfortable.) I could not shake the feeling of almost "being in trouble" when I was taking accountability during the session. (Again, this could be specific to me and a personal issue.) Prem was polite, professional, and honest in a way I did very much appreciate. I got the impression she js a very knowledgeable therapist.

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 2 with Prem