Nicole Markealli

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a master’s degree in counseling and more than 12 years of experience supporting adults, couples, children, teens, and families. Along with my private practice, I work as a school counselor in a Montessori setting, which has given me a deep understanding of human development, family systems, relationship dynamics, and the importance of supporting the whole person.

My approach is warm, collaborative, trauma-informed, transparent, and often infused with humor. I believe therapy can include difficult and meaningful work while still making room for laughter, honesty, and authentic connection. I have additional training in Circle of Security, equity-centered practices, and social-emotional development.

I especially enjoy working with adults and couples navigating anxiety, stress, relationship concerns, communication difficulties, parenting challenges, life transitions, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, and the effects of trauma. I strive to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can feel understood, recognize your strengths, and make meaningful changes at a pace that feels right for you.

I work from a warm, empathetic, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach. My style is transparent, practical, and often includes humor. I will listen without judgment while also asking thoughtful questions, offering honest feedback, and helping you recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Therapy with me is not one-size-fits-all; we will shape our work around your needs, strengths, goals, and comfort level.

I especially enjoy working with adults and couples navigating anxiety, stress, relationship and communication difficulties, parenting concerns, life transitions, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, and past trauma. With couples, I focus on helping each person feel heard, understand recurring patterns, communicate more effectively, and rebuild connection. My goal is to create a space where meaningful work feels safe, approachable, and genuinely useful in your everyday life.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin creating a comfortable, trusting connection. I will ask questions about what brought you to therapy, your current concerns, important experiences and relationships, and what you hope to gain from our work together. You are always welcome to ask me questions as well.

There is no pressure to share everything at once. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you while identifying your strengths, needs, and initial goals. By the end of the session, we will have a clearer understanding of what you would like support with and how we can work together moving forward.