GET TO KNOW YOUR THERAPIST
Nicole Levine
Nicole Levine, MSW, LCSW
THERAPY CAN HELP YOU LEARN HOW TO COPE WITH LIFE’S CHALLENGES.
WHY I BECAME A THERAPIST
As children, people aren’t always given the tools they need to deal with challenges that come up throughout life. When we don’t have the right coping skills, we tend to rely on things that have worked in the past but might not help us be the person we want to be today. Whether you’re a teen, young adult, or older, you’re never too old or too young to change your life. As a therapist, part of my role is to help you connect with your best self, challenge the thoughts and behaviors that are holding you back, and develop new paradigms and skills that support you at your best.
I BECAME A THERAPIST TO HELP GUIDE AND SUPPORT OTHERS THROUGH THE COMPLEXITIES OF LIFE AND DEVELOP A STRONGER ABILITY TO COPE.
I believe a crucial aspect of therapy lies in the relationship between a client and therapist. By creating a genuine connection and safe space, we can work together as you navigate and cope with difficulties, explore and express yourself, and bolster your strengths.
Therapy is a safe place for teens, emerging adults, or older adults to delve into the things that bring you happiness and the things that make life challenging. By working together, we can figure out how to deal with things that might be holding you back so you can amplify your strengths and feel more empowered in life.
When I work with clients, I focus on:
a collaborative relationship and meeting my clients where they’re at
I like to focus on creating a collaborative relationship where you can express your emotions and goals in a non-judgmental, safe space. Through our work, we can discover what makes you you. Everything you do – your thoughts, actions, and decisions – all have a purpose and meet a need you have. By better understanding the need you are trying to meet, we will build on your strengths and explore other perspectives and options available. This supports you in increasing your self-awareness and skills to effectively get your needs met and cope with the many facets of life. This approach is especially helpful for teens who are struggling with self-esteem, friendships, and resistance to school.
I also integrate Brene Brown’s powerful research of vulnerability, courage, shame, and empathy in my work with clients, utilizing techniques and strategies to help individuals integrate it into their personal and professional lives.
WHO I WORK WITH
I work with individuals who are dealing with anxiety, depression, or life transition issues. I specialize in working with teens and emerging adults who are adjusting to new phases in their lives, such as going away to school, graduating, finding a job, living on their own, or other major life changes. I also work with middle school and high school students who struggle with school refusal.
My area of expertise is working with young adults who are having difficulties coping as they go through major life milestones.
DOES SOMETHING NEED TO BE WRONG WITH ME TO SEE A THERAPIST?
I believe there is a spectrum of reasons why an individual explores the option of therapy. While some may come to therapy after experiencing an intense challenge or struggle, others may come to navigate more common everyday life challenges. Everyone needs extra support managing difficulties sometimes, and I believe therapy can provide space to better understand ourselves, achieve our goals, and feel empowered in our life.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME & MY PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
- I received my Masters in Social Work (MSW) degree from Loyola University Chicago.
- I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- I am trained in and utilize aspects of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
“I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” ― CG Jung
Likes to be outdoors
Practices yoga
Loves animals
DO YOU WISH YOU WERE BETTER EQUIPPED TO HANDLE CHALLENGING SITUATIONS? DO YOU WANT TO INCREASE YOUR ABILITY TO NAVIGATE LIFE’S UPS AND DOWNS?
I would be honored to partner with you and help you discover the tools that can help make life more manageable. Together, we will find ways for you to meet your goals and increase your happiness and life satisfaction.