New to Grow
I am Dr. Nicole Aldridge, a licensed therapist with a doctorate in education who supports BIPOC women ages 18 to 65 navigating trauma, anxiety, and stress. My work is grounded in cultural understanding and compassion, using evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, person-centered therapy, and trauma-informed care. I believe in meaningful, honest work and take a collaborative, active approach to therapy. Together, we address patterns and experiences that feel stuck at a pace that is supportive while still encouraging insight, skill-building, and real, lasting change.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and talk about what brought you to therapy. I’ll ask some questions about your background, current challenges, and goals, but there’s no pressure to share more than you feel ready for. This session is about creating a comfortable space where you can feel heard and begin to explore what you want from therapy. Together, we’ll start shaping a plan that fits your needs and sets the foundation for our work going forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard and supported. I bring warmth, empathy, and curiosity into each session, which helps clients feel comfortable opening up and exploring difficult emotions. I also draw on a variety of evidence-based methods, tailoring my approach to fit each person rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model. Clients often share that they appreciate my ability to balance compassion with practical tools they can use in their daily lives.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are people who feel weighed down by anxiety, self-doubt, or the pressure to always hold it together for others while their own needs get pushed aside. Many feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them, yet still carry a quiet hope that life can feel more balanced and fulfilling. I work best with clients who are ready to look inward, explore their emotions, challenge long-held beliefs, and do the work required to create change. Whether the goal is healing from past experiences, building confidence, or learning healthier ways to cope, I support clients who want more than surface-level conversations and value honesty, accountability, and a calm but direct approach to growth.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I use a person-centered approach because I believe real change happens when people feel understood and accepted for who they are. In my experience, this method helps clients feel safe enough to open up and explore what they’re going through at their own pace. I listen closely, reflect back what I hear, and support clients in finding their own answers rather than telling them what to do. My role is to create a supportive space where clients can build confidence, self-awareness, and trust in themselves.