Nicole Cronquist
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I believe therapy should be a space where you can show up as your authentic self, free from judgment and the pressures of societal expectations. I hold a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have experience working with a broad range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, and complex trauma. I specialize in PTSD and provide affirming, inclusive care, including support for individuals navigating identity, relationships, and LGBTQ+ related experiences. My approach is collaborative, individualized, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change is possible, regardless of what you have experienced. I take an eclectic approach to therapy, integrating techniques from multiple therapeutic modalities to meet each client's unique needs and goals. When appropriate, I also incorporate more structured, evidence-based treatments, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
I provide compassionate, individualized, and affirming therapy to help you navigate life's challenges, heal from difficult experiences, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Together, we work toward greater self-understanding, improved emotional regulation, healthier relationships, and practical coping skills. My goal is to create an environment where you feel heard, supported, and respected while helping you build confidence, navigate life's challenges, and move forward without being defined by your past experiences.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a therapeutic relationship. We'll spend time discussing what brings you to therapy, what you've been experiencing, and what you hope to gain from the process. I'll ask questions to better understand your background, current challenges, and goals, while also giving you space to share at your own pace. You don't need to have everything figured out or know exactly where to start. My goal is to create a comfortable, judgment-free environment where you feel heard, respected, and supported. We'll begin exploring what therapy might look like for you and work collaboratively to identify an approach that feels appropriate for your needs. Most importantly, I believe finding the right therapist is an important part of the therapeutic process. My hope is that you feel comfortable and connected working with me, but I also recognize that the most important thing is finding a therapist who is the right fit for you, even if that person isn't me. You deserve to feel safe, understood, and supported in your therapeutic journey.
Strengths
What makes my approach stand out is my ability to balance genuine connection and compassion with practical, evidence-based treatment. My experience working in community-based mental health has allowed me to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life circumstances, across a broad spectrum of mental health concerns and levels of need. These experiences have shaped my ability to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy and that treatment should be as unique as the individual. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities and adapt my approach based on each client's needs, goals, and experiences, incorporating more structured interventions when appropriate. I strive to look beyond symptoms to understand the underlying experiences, patterns, and challenges that may be impacting a person's life. I believe in creating a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel comfortable being themselves, challenged when needed, and supported as they work toward meaningful and lasting change.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is open to exploring their experiences, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, and working toward meaningful change. I enjoy working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, including those navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity concerns, and other complex life experiences. You don't need to have everything figured out or even know where to begin. Whether you're looking for support through a difficult period, working through longstanding patterns, or simply hoping to feel more connected to yourself, I welcome the opportunity to meet you where you are. I believe meaningful progress begins with a therapeutic relationship built on trust, collaboration, and the willingness to take things one step at a time.
Origin story
My decision to become a therapist was shaped by both my interest in understanding the complexities of human experiences and my appreciation for how deeply life experiences can impact us. I believe that healing and growth are not always linear, and that our past does not have to define our future. These beliefs have reinforced my commitment to creating a space where people feel genuinely heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. I find meaning in helping individuals recognize their strengths, make sense of difficult experiences, and develop the tools to move forward. Being able to walk alongside someone as they navigate challenges, build resilience, and create a life that feels more fulfilling and authentic is what makes this work so meaningful to me.
Ongoing work together
Future sessions are guided by your individual needs, goals, and progress. I recognize that no two people are alike, and what works for one person may not be the best approach for another. Some sessions may involve processing experiences, exploring emotions and patterns, or gaining deeper self-awareness, while others may focus on developing practical coping skills, improving emotional regulation, or working through specific challenges. Depending on your needs, sessions may be more conversational and exploratory or incorporate structured, evidence-based interventions. Therapy is an ongoing, collaborative process, and your voice remains an important part of shaping our work together. We will periodically check in on your progress, revisit your goals, discuss what is and isn't working, and adjust our approach as your needs evolve. When clinically appropriate, I may also use brief assessments, such as the PHQ-9, GAD-7, or PCL-5, to help monitor symptoms, evaluate progress, and guide treatment planning. My goal is to ensure that therapy remains purposeful, flexible, and meaningful to you, while helping you develop insight and skills that translate into everyday life.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
incorporate Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, when it is appropriate for a client's needs and treatment goals. CPT helps individuals understand how traumatic experiences can influence the way they think about themselves, others, and the world around them. Together, we identify and explore unhelpful beliefs that may have developed following trauma, particularly those related to safety, trust, control, self-esteem, and relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to emotional distress and interfere with daily life. Through collaborative exploration and practical strategies, we work to challenge negative thinking, develop healthier perspectives, and build skills for responding to difficult situations.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to emotional distress and interfere with daily life. Through collaborative exploration and practical strategies, we work to challenge negative thinking, develop healthier perspectives, and build skills for responding to difficult situations.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Rather than focusing on eliminating uncomfortable feelings or trying to control every thought, ACT encourages individuals to practice acceptance, develop mindfulness, and recognize that thoughts and emotions do not have to dictate their actions. Together, we explore personal values and identify ways to make choices that align with what matters most to each individual.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Licensed in
- South CarolinaLicense 12285