Nichole Cruz

I am Nichole Cruz, the founder of Chain of Lakes Counseling, PLLC. I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with three years of clinical experience, specializing in life transitions for adults. To learn more about my practice, my website is www.counselingwithnichole.com. At my practice, I focus on three areas. Life changes such as: divorce, relocation, career shifts, grief, reentry therapy for formerly incarcerated adults, and military life transitions — I served five and a half years and was a military spouse and mother. My approach starts with a simple question, from my memoir What Happened to You?: not "what's wrong with you," but "what happened to you?" I keep sessions neutral and client-led; faith is welcome when you ask for it, never imposed.

My therapeutic style is warm, supportive and collaborative. I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strength-based therapy, and person-centered care. I focus on helping clients understand their thought patterns, build emotional resilience and develop practical tools that can be used outside of sessions. For clients who desire it, I also offer faith integrated therapy that honors spiritual beliefs while remaining welcoming and respectful. Therapy is about growth, insight, and learning to show yourself more compassion.

Your first session is relaxed conversation where we get to know each other. We'll discuss what's bringing you to therapy, what you hope to work on, and what support might look like for you. There is no pressure to share everything at once. We move at your pace, and my goal is for you to leave the session feeling heard, supported, and hopeful.