Tina Nickels, MS< LPC

I am a warm and compassionate counselor, and I have variety of life experiences that enhance my continuing education about people and about life.

Hello. My name is Tina Nickels, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I am mature and I bring education as well as life experience to the table. I feel there is hope for each of us and that it is my job to help you find that hope. No issue is too big (I have worked with murderers and sex offenders). No issue is too small (many people just need a 'tune-up').
I was raised by my mother and her parents. My childhood was mostly comfortable and trauma free. I was a rebel. My young adulthood was colorful to say the least. Also, educational. I found recovery and began acting like an adult. I have 2 children, both of whom are miracle babies. Some of the time I was a single mom. Other times I had help. They turned out to be good people and I am proud. Now I live in the country and have lots of animals.
My therapeutic approach is usually person-centered. That means the client 'drives' the session and I help them discover their own truths. This theory assumes we have our own answers within us. With the right questions we can uncover the reasons for our emotions and our actions.
Another treatment modality is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In this model, we examine how thoughts and feelings affect behavior. Our thoughts come from our core beliefs, and these may be formulated in childhood. As children, we are apt to form mistaken conclusions. An example is the child whose parents divorce and the child feels it is their fault for doing something wrong. Feeling that responsibility can last into adulthood and f not corrected, it affects our relationships with all the people in our lives. This is just one example of how our core beliefs need to be examined. I have used this technique successfully.
Motivational Interviewing is another type of therapy. I ask questions that help you discover your motivations for your thoughts and behaviors. We look for the 'payoff' for our actions.
I may use a combination of these methods, as therapy should flow naturally.
As your therapist, I will discover why you are seeking treatment. We will set goals and will take steps toward those goals. I will be listening attentively to you and will help you determine what is really best for you. You will remain in charge of your healing and development as there is not going to be pressure or judgmentalism from me.
I believe any person can heal from whatever brings them to therapy. if you have experienced trauma, I can assist you in learning ways to deal with the trauma and cope with the realities of your situation. I have personal experience recovering from trauma and therapy helped me heal greatly.
No matter your issues, there is hope and I believe I can help you live a more fulfilling life, to be the person you were meant to be. Let's give it a try.