Laura Nichols, M.S. (she/her)
Resident in Counseling
Welcome! I work with adults who feel disconnected from themselves, weighed down by family stress, or affected by experiences that have made it difficult to feel safe, grounded, or fully like themselves. I have a particular interest in relational trauma, including the ways early relationships, family dynamics, and repeated experiences of invalidation can continue to influence how we see ourselves and connect with others.
Therapy with me is a space to slow down and make sense of those patterns without judgment. We may explore how past relationships continue to show up in the present, how you learned to protect yourself, and what happens when those strategies no longer fit the life you want. My goal is to help clients develop a stronger connection to themselves while finding new ways to navigate emotions, boundaries, relationships, and family stress.
I also work with couples, including partners who care deeply about each other but find that past experiences are affecting the way they communicate, handle conflict, or experience closeness. When one or both partners grew up in stressful or traumatic environments, relationship conflict can sometimes activate old fears or protective patterns. I help couples understand what is happening underneath those moments so they can respond to each other with greater awareness and intention. I use the Gottman Method to support couples in improving communication, reducing unproductive conflict patterns, and strengthening trust and connection.
I am also completing training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and incorporate a trauma-informed perspective into my work. For clients who have experienced trauma, therapy may involve understanding how past experiences continue to affect current emotions, relationships, and reactions, while building the sense of safety and stability needed to work through those experiences at a manageable pace.
I earned my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University and practice under the supervision of Lori Zastrow, LPC.
AT A GLANCE
FAQs
What does a first session look like?
First, we’ll focus on getting to know each other and building a relationship where you feel comfortable being yourself. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what’s been feeling hard, and what you’d like to be different. I’ll meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels right for you. My style is warm, genuine, and down-to-earth, and you never need to have the “right” words or everything figured out before you come in.
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Do you work with couples?
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Yes! I work with couples who may be feeling disconnected, stuck in the same arguments, or struggling to communicate without things escalating or shutting down. I use the Gottman Method to help couples better understand their patterns, strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and feel more connected. My work with couples is LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive of polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous relationships.
I’m navigating identity related challenges - is that something you specialize in?
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Yes. I work with clients exploring gender, sexuality, neurodivergence, relationships, and other parts of identity that may feel complicated, changing, or hard to make sense of. Therapy can be a space to better understand yourself, sort through outside expectations, and figure out what feels most authentic to you. My approach is affirming, curious, and free of judgment—you do not need to have everything figured out before we start.
How can I contact you?
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You can reach us anytime via our appointment request button at the top of this page. We aim to respond quickly, usually within two business days.