Nicole Buxton

My journey as a social worker began in New York, where I earned my MSW from Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus in 2012. I started my career in non-profit administration, supporting case managers and homeless families at an adult 2-0 shelter in Hell’s Kitchen, NY. This foundational work taught me the power of resilience and the importance of a holistic, human-centered approach to care.

Since 2015, I have focused my practice on supporting children, adolescents, young adults, women, and families in Connecticut. With over ten years of experience in residential and public school settings as a social worker and Dean of Students, I have seen firsthand the unique pressures and challenges our youth and their families face today. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I began my work in private practice on a part-time basis, responding to the growing mental health needs I witnessed firsthand in my community. In 2024, after becoming a mom, I transitioned fully to private practice, embracing the opportunity to work directly with a broader scope of clients while honoring my own family’s needs.

My approach to treatment is one that is welcoming and free from judgement. I believe in the power of a strong therapeutic alliance, a partnership that serves as the catalyst for individual growth and instrumental change in your life.

The Three C’s

In our work together, I place a dedicated emphasis on three core pillars:

Collaboration

-You are the expert on your life. We will work closely together to help you co-author your healing narrative. The collaboration with all of your pertinent providers will also help to maintain the focus on your growth as a whole person, rather than us solely addressing your symptoms.

Communication

-Our sessions are goal-directed, transparent, authentic, and reflective.

Compassion

-I will “meet you where you are” every step of the way. Therapy is hard work – you will always be supported and cared for. Change is often not linear.

Trust is earned, not assumed. Over time, we will build a strong, supportive therapeutic relationship grounded in consistency, care, and respect—the foundation for meaningful, lasting change. In a safe space, therapy will be centered on your individual needs. My goal is not to “fix you,” but to help you reconnect with your inner resources and move forward at a pace that feels right. Together, we will strengthen your sense of agency in your life.

In our first session, we will begin our therapeutic relationship through a formal "intake," wherein I will be asking questions about past, present, and future you in order for us to establish the most appropriate, initial treatment plan together.