I'm a Master's level Licensed Professional Counselor that resides in and works in Texas. I have been in the mental health field since 2008 and licensed since 2013. Due to working at the Local Mental Health Authority, with a Medicaid provider, and in private practice, I have worked with a lot of different types of clients over the past 15 years.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, I plan to, of course, ask a lot of questions about what is bringing you in, what has been going on in the past, and how you've been handling things so far. If there is a question you feel uncomfortable answering, I'll just ask you to give me a general picture of the concern till you feel more comfortable telling me the details. These questions will help us create a plan of what to work on in the future. After creating a plan, I will let you ask me any questions or concerns you have about me so we can address any worries you have about myself or therapy.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I have been repeatedly told that I am easy to talk to as a counselor and set my clients at ease. I also enjoy providing a lot of education about the brain, body, and how the two interact with one another. Since I am a counselor in the LGBTQ+ community who is located in a challenging area for that particular community, I have a lot of insight and experience coping with those particular challenges, which can be especially helpful for my teenage and young adult clients who may be struggling with those issues in this area. I also have addiction and mental health disorders in my family, so I have personal experience I can share with and add to the therapy sessions.

About J. Nicole Abell