Licensed to practice in Indiana and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Trauma and PTSD, Domestic Violence, Depression and 10 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Nicole, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over six years of experience helping adults navigate life's most difficult challenges. I've worked with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, personality disorders, and severe mental illness, with specialized experience supporting survivors of domestic violence and complex trauma. My approach is warm, laid back, and genuine. I believe therapy works best when you feel comfortable being yourself, so you can expect a space that's free of judgment, full of compassion, and grounded in honesty. I'll meet you where you are while also gently challenging you to grow in ways that align with your goals and values. I use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), tailoring treatment to your unique needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in unhealthy patterns, processing trauma, or simply looking to better understand yourself, I'm here to help you build practical skills, gain insight, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Your first session is all about getting to know each other and making sure we're a good fit. We'll spend time discussing what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, and relevant parts of your personal, mental health, and life history so I can better understand your needs. Together, we'll identify your strengths, discuss any diagnoses that may be appropriate, and begin creating a personalized treatment plan with goals that are meaningful to you. We'll also talk about what you can expect from therapy, answer any questions you have, and establish expectations for our work together. There's no pressure to share everything in one session. Therapy is a process, and we'll move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable while working toward the changes that matter most to you.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to adapt my approach to each individual. I recognize that no two people, or even two therapy sessions are the same. Some days, you may simply need a safe, nonjudgmental space where someone truly listens and helps you process your thoughts and emotions. Other times, you may benefit from honest feedback, gentle challenges, and practical strategies to help you move toward your goals. I believe the therapeutic relationship is built on trust, collaboration, and authenticity. My style is warm, relatable, and direct when needed. I'll meet you where you are, but I won't hesitate to encourage you to step outside your comfort zone when it supports your growth. My experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those navigating trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, substance use, personality disorders, and severe mental illness has reinforced that healing looks different for everyone. My goal is to create a supportive environment where you feel heard, respected, and empowered while we work together toward meaningful, lasting change.
I work best with adults who are ready to better understand themselves, overcome life's challenges, and create meaningful change. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, healing from trauma, navigating the effects of domestic violence, struggling with substance use, managing a personality disorder or severe mental illness, or adjusting to a major life transition, I'm here to provide support that is tailored to your unique needs. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck, emotionally exhausted, or unsure of where to begin. Others are looking to improve relationships, develop healthier coping skills, increase self-confidence, or break patterns that are no longer serving them. Whatever brings you to therapy, we'll work together to identify your goals and create a plan that helps you move toward the life you want. If you're looking for a therapist who is compassionate, relatable, and collaborative, but also willing to gently challenge you when it supports your growth, we may be a great fit!
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the primary approaches I use to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Often, the way we think about a situation influences how we feel and the choices we make. Together, we'll identify unhelpful thought patterns, challenge beliefs that may no longer serve you, and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding to life's challenges. CBT is a practical, goal-oriented approach that focuses on building skills you can use outside of therapy. Depending on your needs, we may use techniques such as identifying cognitive distortions, practicing new coping strategies, problem-solving, improving communication, or gradually facing situations that have become overwhelming. My goal is to help you develop tools that create lasting change, not just temporary relief.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals better manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and respond to life's challenges in healthier ways. I use DBT to help clients develop practical skills in four key areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. In our sessions, we'll work together to identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck while learning new ways to cope with difficult emotions without acting impulsively or becoming overwhelmed. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, or everyday stress, DBT provides practical tools to help you navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and resilience. I tailor these skills to your individual goals so they feel relevant and applicable to your daily life.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, goal-oriented approach that helps you explore and strengthen your own motivation for change. Rather than telling you what to do, I use MI to support you in identifying what matters most to you, understanding what may be getting in the way, and building confidence in your ability to make meaningful changes. This approach can be especially helpful if you feel stuck, ambivalent, or unsure about your next steps. Together, we’ll explore both the reasons for change and the reasons things have stayed the same in a nonjudgmental space. My role is to support you in clarifying your own goals and helping you move toward them at a pace that feels right for you.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an approach that helps you develop greater psychological flexibility, learning how to make room for difficult thoughts and emotions while still moving toward the life you want to build. Instead of focusing on “getting rid” of uncomfortable feelings, ACT emphasizes accepting that they are a natural part of the human experience while reducing their control over your choices. In our work together, we’ll focus on identifying what truly matters to you, your values, and using those values as a guide for meaningful action. This may include learning mindfulness skills, practicing acceptance strategies, and noticing unhelpful thought patterns without getting stuck in them. My goal is to help you feel more present, grounded, and aligned with the life you want to live, even when things feel difficult.