Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Hutto, TX covered by Aetna

Hi! My name is Nicole. I earned my Masters in Counseling from Northwestern University, where I received training in psychodynamic theory. I have been working in the private practice setting for 7 years, primarily working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, existential crisis, and life transition.

Welcome!

My work with clients values the therapeutic relationship, authenticity, and practical solutions.

I specialize in working with adults and older adolescents, dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, grief, relationship issues, or low self esteem.

I have experience in group practice, community mental health, and private practice settings, doing psychotherapy with a wide range of clients experiencing diverse clinical concerns.

I earned a Masters Degree in Clinical Professional Psychology from Roosevelt University in Chicago, and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin.

If your mind won’t slow down, you keep overthinking your decisions, or you feel stuck in patterns you can’t break, you’re not alone. Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed or frustrated that they understand what’s wrong—but still can’t seem to change it. I help you get to the root of those patterns so real change can happen. Instead of just managing symptoms, we work on understanding what’s driving them—so you can feel more in control, less reactive, and more confident in how you respond to your life.

I earned my M.Ed. in Counselor Education from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. My path into the counseling field has been shaped by a deep passion for both the healing process and holistic wellness. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various levels of care, including residential and intensive outpatient settings, where I gained invaluable clinical experience and a deeper appreciation for mental health care..

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in the Austin area helping parents and children overcome emotional and behavioral challenges. Services are provided in-home and in the community.

I believe that self-compassion and self-acceptance are essential for promoting growth and healing. My work with clients is informed by multiple therapeutic approaches grounded in psychodynamic, attachment, somatic, emotion-focused, and mindfulness-based techniques to help clients reconnect with themselves and heal at a core level. I regularly utilize AEDP, ISTDP and Internal Family Systems with clients. I aim to help clients heal the source of their distress, build capacity for emotion expression and regulation, and incorporate behaviors that lead to a healthier self and stronger relationships.

I received my B.A. in Psychology from Vassar College and my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University in Palo Alto, CA.

I currently have in-person, walk-and-talk, and virtual availability on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

Therapy with me is about co-creating a hearth - a therapeutic space for warmth, restoration, and growth along life’s journeys. I work with individuals and families who have experienced the effects of anxiety, depression, substance use, addiction, relational trauma, and complex trauma. These effects often leave us in chaotic cycles of either burning things to the ground or feeling cold and alone. I also am passionate about working with neurodivergent folks (ADHD and Autism) who have maybe felt outcast in their search for connection. Together, we rest and reflect on whatever creating a warm home means to you.

My personal interests include:

• Songwriting, recording, and listening to any music that tells a story with lyrics or sound
• Hiking, camping, and kayaking
• Anime, manga, fantasy, sci-fi, and story writing
• Open world and JRPG video games
• Swimming, soccer, football, and sailing
• Board games and table top roleplaying games (TTRPGs)
• Cooking, traveling, and brewing delicious coffee.