Helen Nichols

My communication style

I present a non-judgmental attitude with optimism. My clients typically find it easy to open up, and I seek to validate their experience as authentic. I provide sincere empathy, nurturing, caring, with a focus on gratitude.

My journey to mental healthcare

At the age of 12, my brother had bipolar disorder. I broke down that initially was misdiagnosed as schizophrenia. When the treatments were not working, I told my mother that when I grew up, I wanted to help people. Although I dropped out of college to marry and have kids, I never lost the dream, and when the time was right, I was ready.

My goals for you

I first help each client to articulate what they want to gain from therapy, and then together we find reasonable actions to take that lead towards achieving that goal. I don't give up when it takes a long time, and specifically point out each week the actions they have taken that can be called a 'success'.

Our first session

I try to cover the standard disclosures and assessments quickly and then allow the client to share their 'story'. I find that being 'heard' provides a significant amount of relief, along with my assurance that their conditions are treatable. By the end of the session, we will create a plan for the tools we will try first.

I identify as...

• Female
• Caucasian or White
• Christian, Spiritual