"Hope is a necessary concept. If we want to create change, we have to hold onto a vision of the possibility of change." -Bell Hooks
I am glad you found me in the vastness of the interwebs! My name is Nick. I am white, fat, queer, and non-binary. I live with chronic illness and chronic pain. I am a Clinical Social Worker and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I have nearly a decade of diverse work experience. Ranging from victim’s rights advocate, HIV care, housing, addiction, to community mental health.
Being forced to operate in oppressive systems can be a doozy on our wellbeing. This space is for you if you believe hope is the radical change we need. It’s Ok if you can’t find hope right now. I got you. I will be your cheerleader!
My Approach to Therapy
I center our sessions around trust, connection, and mutual understanding. I am heavily informed by connecting our past experiences to our current thoughts, feelings, and sensations. I like to focus on building self acceptance through a curious and compassionate lens. One of my beliefs about therapy is it is both evidenced based and an art. Using methods rooted in science while bringing lived experience and keen intuition into our sessions.
My approach is gentle but firm. I will bring your unhelpful patterns to light while holding space for the parts of you that had to operate that way to keep you safe. This could be a part of you that seeks to people please to avoid conflict and maintain harmony in relationships. But you find yourself overextending to meet the needs of others, often at the expense of their own well-being.
We will team up to create a plan of action to meet your goals. As we move through our work together we will address any stagnation that may arise. We will adjust as needed. I will always be honest with you if I feel we have hit a wall or need to change directions. I want you to get the best care possible. We will figure that out together!
How is therapy with me different?
You will laugh and cry in sessions with me. Sometimes at the same time! We will bitch about the state of the world in between processing harmful events and connecting with your parts.
My trainings in DBT, EMDR, Brainspotting, and IFS are complementary modalities. This means we can spend less time in “talk therapy” and more in the deep dive work. This allows for more meaningful lasting change.
Am I the right therapist for you?
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The folks I feel most aligned to work with are those ready to dig deep. You might be scared but you show up anyway. I enjoy working with my LGBTQ community. Clients navigating addiction or early recovery, binge eating disorder, trauma, people pleasing and perfectionism are where I feel most useful.
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You may not enjoy my style if you are not ready to dive into the core reasons behind your concerns. You aren’t interested in receiving suggestions or insights on ways to change your approach. Or you are looking for a more traditional professional demeanor.
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If you are in telehealth sessions with me my 2 year old pittie Rue may make an appearance. I love kayaking in the summer and hibernating in the winter. I never listen to podcasts or read for pleasure despite my best intentions. Ted Lasso, Abbott Elementary, and Schitt’s Creek are my go to feel good shows. I practice gentle movement by walking Rue 97 times a day so she isn’t an absolute terror.
Clinical Experience
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University of Pittsburgh, Master in Social Work, 2016
Graduate certificate in Integrated Healthcare, 2016
Eastern Michigan University, Bachelor in Social Work, 2015
Washtenaw Community College, Associate in Human Services, 2013
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW-Clinical)
License#: 6801112308 EXP:10/06/2025
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Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, CAADC
ID#:C-04031 Exp: 02/01/2026
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Brainspotting Phase 2, 08/2024
Brainspotting Phase 1, 06/2024
NASW certificate in Core Supervision, 02/2024
Foundational course in Internal Family Systems (QTIFS), 03/2023
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), 03/2022
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), 03/2021
I have countless hours of continuing educations units, trainings, consultation, and work experience with addiction treatment, eating disorders, trauma, and anxiety.