Nicole O. Jennings Girau
Healing isn't about simply surviving—it's about creating a life that feels meaningful, connected, and authentically yours. If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, grief, trauma, difficult relationships, or the lasting effects of narcissistic abuse, you don't have to navigate it alone. For more than 11 years, I have helped individuals uncover the root causes of emotional pain, break unhealthy patterns, and build healthier, more fulfilling lives. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and integrative, recognizing that lasting healing involves more than addressing symptoms. I believe true wellness comes from caring for the mind, body, and spirit together. My own experiences witnessing my father's recovery after a brainstem stroke profoundly shaped my understanding of healing and inspired me to expand beyond traditional therapeutic approaches. Today, I combine evidence-based psychotherapy with an integrative perspective that honors the whole person.
In more recent time, Nicole has become dedicated in working with individuals who are facing terminal illnesses/ children who are facing their parent's long-term illnesses.
I specialize in working with adults navigating: Anxiety and chronic stress Grief and complicated loss Trauma and life transitions Narcissistic abuse and emotionally abusive relationships Family conflict and estrangement Caregiver stress and complex family dynamics Whether you're processing a significant loss, struggling with difficult family relationships, healing from an unhealthy relationship, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can feel understood, gain clarity, and move toward lasting change. Together, we'll work to help you not only heal—but truly thrive. **Important Information: Intake paperwork must be completed at least 24 hours before your first appointment. If your paperwork is not submitted by that time, your intake session will need to be rescheduled. If documentation remains incomplete after rescheduling, I may refer you to another provider to ensure you receive timely care. These assessments are essential for determining whether virtual treatment is appropriate and for providing the highest quality of care.**
First session
Starting therapy can feel both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and supported from the very beginning. The first session is intentionally different from the sessions that follow. It may feel like we're jumping between different areas of your life—and that's completely normal. During our initial meeting, we'll focus on getting to know you by creating a broad overview of your personal history, current concerns, important relationships, and significant life events. Think of it as building the roadmap that will guide your treatment. Because we're gathering information from many areas of your life, the first session can feel less structured than future appointments. This helps me gain a deeper understanding of who you are, not just the challenges that brought you to therapy. Beginning in our second session, our work becomes much more focused and individualized. We'll start exploring the specific patterns contributing to your concerns, establish personalized treatment goals, and begin incorporating therapeutic tools, strategies, and between-session exercises that support your progress. Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, strengths, and goals. My hope is that therapy becomes a collaborative process where you not only gain insight but also leave each session with practical tools you can apply to your daily life. Session Length: Unless otherwise discussed, all therapy appointments are 53 minutes in length, which is the standard duration for psychotherapy sessions.
Strengths
Healing is one of life's most powerful journeys, and I am honored to be a part of yours. For more than a decade, I have remained committed to growing both personally and professionally so I can provide the highest quality care to my clients. I believe therapy should be more than a place to talk—it should be a space where you gain insight, develop practical tools, and experience meaningful, lasting change. My approach blends evidence-based therapy with an integrative perspective, recognizing that emotional well-being is influenced by the mind, body, relationships, and life experiences. Every client receives an individualized treatment plan tailored to their unique goals, strengths, and challenges. I hold specialized certifications in narcissistic abuse recovery, grief counseling, family trauma, integrative mental health, and am a certified SoulCollage® Workshop Facilitator. While the credentials reflect my commitment to ongoing education, what matters most is how they translate into helping you feel understood, empowered, and equipped with effective strategies for healing. Whether you're navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, difficult relationships, or a major life transition, my goal is to create a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where you can safely explore your experiences and move from surviving to thriving. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they rediscover hope, resilience, and a deeper connection with themselves.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients love to laugh and are deeply desiring growth. I have a knack for assisting women who are in high conflict divorce and separations really figure out their next steps/ reignite their identities. I am well versed in trauma and recovery from emotionally abusive relationships.
Treatment methods
Adlerian
Adlerian therapy often identifies that healing happens best in community, so in many ways individuals will be challenged to identify resources and spaces in which they can heal best.
Trauma-Informed Care
I have extensive training in trauma and often integrate methods of psychoeducation and self-regulation into the treatment of trauma. I have certifications in family trauma, compassion fatigue, and grief- which I consider to also be a trauma as it impacts every area of our lives.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- New JerseyLicense 37PC00673500