Nicole Koren, LPC, BCBA

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and have been working within these fields for 12 years with ages two through ninety. I have extensive experience working with people touched by Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as other diagnoses. In this area I use Applied Behavior Analysis to teach Verbal Behavior to individuals ages 2-12. I also use ABA therapy to work with individuals as they enter teenage years throughout adulthood to help teach social skills, conversational skills, independent living and behavior reduction and so much more. I have been lucky enough to work with individuals across multiple diagnoses.  However, as we all have a unique story, mine has led me to further my education in Trauma, Abuse, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, Dual-Diagnosis, Learning Coping Strategies, Self-Esteem, and Peer Relationships.

Hi everyone, my name is Nikki! I will start off by stating an important fact. I have yet to meet a single person, including myself, who can honestly say that they have never lost their way on the crazy journey we call life.

I read once, “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Like all people, as life progresses a journey unfolds that is uniquely their own.  We encounter experiences every day that have an ability to motivate or challenge us, strengthen us or defeat us, elate us or sadden us. At times, we may become unbalanced. We have strength within us, beautiful wings that can allow us to fly, yet we can’t, we become spectators of our own lives. This my friends, is when I hope you choose to get your fire back, to start believing again, start dreaming again, and start following your heart. If you lose your way, you now have made a choice to expand your support system, and together we will work to find the path that is meant for you. My approach as a counselor is eclectic, or changes as we build a therapeutic relationship.  Every person is unique, so I start off by working together to figure out his or her goals. The person’s personality type, learning style and engagement, naturally determines how we approach treatment.  I have an interactive and collaborative approach to help others: gain their own insights, develop coping strategies, regulate emotions, face conflict, set achievable goals, break down any barriers that may be preventing him or her from moving forward.

This is your journey, we will move forward at your pace, there is no reason to try and win a marathon! The significance develops from our ability to learn from each experience along the way. The importance is the meaning gained during the race, not crossing the finish line. The goal is to make a connection between every step forward, so we can apply what we learn to future obstacles.

 As a Counselor, my mission is to assist everyone I have the pleasure to work with, in finding a path, and walking with him/her as that path unfolds.