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About.

Oh the about page…this is where I’m supposed to talk about myself, right?  Well to be honest one of the reasons I enjoy therapy so much is because I love to learn about other people and their stories and often don’t like the spotlight on myself.  But here goes nothing…

To let you in on a little secret, I of course, deal with the daily challenges of living just like everyone else.  Being a human isn’t easy sometimes.  I have my own longings and insecurities, histories, and sets of vulnerabilities. But that’s what I feel forges the connection between me and you.  Of all the fancy degrees, credentials, and certifications I’ve obtained the one I feel matters the most is that I’m a person too. I know what it feels like to struggle, to experience pain, to have wants and desires go unfulfilled, and I promise to show up every day in a genuine and authentic manner so we can navigate this thing called life together.  

I wholeheartedly entered the coaching and counseling field so I could help other people.  But I’ll admit that this was also partly selfish because I wanted to help myself.  I wanted to figure out why I kept repeating unhealthy patterns, felt anxious sometimes, and somehow kept attracting emotionally unavailable romantic partners. (We’ve all been there, right?!?)  I went to therapy myself, worked on the unhelpful behaviors and thought patterns holding me back, and read every book I could get my hands on to better myself.  And all of this came with another goal too, to help you. 

I love my clients. It’s this amazing form of connection for someone to trust me with their secrets and deepest desires and that’s why I don’t mess around.  I take this work very seriously and I acknowledge the courage it takes to open up to someone new and say I don’t like how my life is going and I want to do better.  It takes a lot of work to be happy…think about it…if change was easy everyone would be doing it.  It takes so much courage to go against the grain and live in an excuse free world and those are the people I want to surround myself with. That’s why you, my client, are the hero of my story.

I like to operate from a strengths-based approach and build off of the assets you already possess.  In my work I think of Michelangelo’s approach to sculpting when he stated, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” I genuinely believe each and every one of us has everything we need already inside, but a lot of times it’s getting past the negative self-talk and maladaptive behaviors to get there.  (And that’s where I come in!)  In our work I can provide you with support, accountability, tools, guidance, and feedback on this journey we’ll embark on together towards living a happier and more fulfilling life. Today is a great day to start a new chapter and I can’t wait to hear from you.

And to wrap up, some last things you should know about me… I have serious wanderlust, I never met a carbohydrate I didn’t like, I have two pups (Oliver & Gary), BRAVO TV is my religion, and I would happily listen to Christmas music all year round.

All my best, Nicole

Nicole Walker- My Education

My Education

  • Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Syracuse University

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, (Double minor in Spanish and Journalism) from University at Buffalo

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My Licenses & Certifications

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor, New York – License #008478

  • Licensed Professional Counselor, Connecticut –  License #3016

  • Nationally Certified Counselor – License #342376

  • Board Certified Coach

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My Trainings & Teacher Certifications

  • Evidence Based Protocol Certified Provider of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Depression       

  • Evidence Based Protocol Certified Provider of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Depression

  • Evidence Based Protocol Certified Provider of Social Skills Training (SST)

  • IMAGO trained couples therapist

  • Trained and Certified in Wellness and Recovery Action Planning (WRAP)

  • Trained and Certified in Adaptive Tai Chi

  • Trained and Certified in Coherent Breathing

  • Trained and Certified in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

  • Trained and Certified in iRest Yoga Nidra

  • SAFETALK Suicide Prevention

  • Trauma Informed Care