
About Us

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Play
Therapy (Directive &
Non-Directive)


Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy


Family Therapy
Expressive Arts
Therapy


A little about Ms. Nikki
I'd like to start by saying mental health has always hit home for me. It's always occupied a special passion of mine deep in my heart. Many people search their whole lives for their passion or what fits them and their place in this world. However, I’m not one of those people. Right here right now is exactly where I need to be, therapy is not what I do but who I am. The term mental health counseling/therapy (they are one in the same) can sound scary to many people, mostly because not many people are sure what it encompasses or are scared in general of the potential stigma it may carry. But here I am, throwing it all out there, here to inform you that the more we talk about mental health the more we lessen the stigma. The more chances there are that others will seek help when they need it. Getting therapy is not a bad thing, if anything it’s an incredible thing. You or someone you know is hurting and YOU asked for help. THAT. IS. AMAZING. (Insert clapping emoji) It takes guts, it takes strength, and it takes hope to ask for help, let alone receive it and believe in it! That’s where I come in, to walk you through it all and tell you IT IS GOING TO BE OKAY. Trust me, trust the process and trust in yourself because it’s about to get real.
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So, if you’re interested in my quick professional (or not so professional) autobiography and how it all began here it is… I obtained my BA in Child Psychology with a specialization in Children and Adolescents. I took some time working with mothers and children who were seeking asylum at an immigration center. During that role is when I realized I should be doing more, that I’m capable of doing more and helping more. I went back to school and obtained my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, again with a specialization in Children and Adolescents. Can you tell I love working with children, yet? During my graduate work I worked in a private practice, then moved onto school-based therapy when I transitioned from Pennsylvania to Washington, DC. I began working for a non-profit that contracted to different inner city schools providing school-based therapeutic services. I then fell in love even more. Being able to have an impact on SO many students throughout one day had me wanting more. The population I had access to, the traumas I was able to connect with and the amount of times a week I was able to see these kids and different aspects of them .. just.. filled my cup. That’s when I knew I was in the right field, I was doing what I was put here to do. I then obtained my certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), officially received my independent licensure Licensed Professional Counselor, (LPC in DC & PA) went back to school again for Child Trauma and Registered Play Therapy where I finished the first two stages of the Registered Play Therapy credentialing and am on my way to completing the last stage to officially have my Registered Play Therapy License (RPT).
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I started this page as a resource since working in schools has always taught me to be prepared for the unexpected. A resource center for other clinicians, teachers, and parents. It has evolved as I received my independent licensure to provide services on my own account. It has been amazing to finally have the wherewithal to practice at my own accord. Within this website you will see I provide teletherapy services to families and children outside of school hours. As stated above, I love my school-based therapist position and will continue my work there, however I am also now accepting new clients outside of school hours via teletherapy.
What To Expect
People hear the word therapy and are often discouraged by the stigma that is still attached to therapeutic support of any sort- especially Mental Health. The first step in healing is knowing there's something to heal and taking action. We each have our own hardships, but learning to process and find light in the darkest places will be the biggest healer.
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Key Takeaways About Therapy:
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Healing is not linear
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Each child and case is unique and will be treated as so
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Diagnosis does not define you
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Trust, Patience and Honesty - Pillars of a therapeutic relationship
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Behavior may get worse before it gets better
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Family support is vital

