Nicole Gonzalez Smith

My goal is for my clients to feel empowered with the knowledge, tools, and self-confidence they need to heal, grow, and thrive.

With a background in clinical social work and education, I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse population of youths, adults, and families in a variety of contexts.
I specialize in working with children, teens, young adults, and caregivers around trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional regulation and behavioral challenges, family and peer conflict, relationships, identity, migration, and life transitions.

I employ person-centered, systems-minded, and evidence-based interventions, utilizing elements of CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, and attachment theory. I also love to integrate many different mediums of expression into sessions: conversation, art, play, writing, music, movement, etc.

I believe that compassion and trust are at the core of every nurturing relationship. I strive for these qualities in my connections with my clients, and I work to develop those qualities in my clients' relationships with themselves and others. My approach is thoughtful, creative, empathetic, collaborative, culturally-affirming, trauma-informed, and resiliency-oriented. I lead with presence, warmth and unconditional positive regard. I believe that all behavior has purpose. I listen and look for strengths.

Together, we'll explore how your life experiences, needs, boundaries, and beliefs show up in your thoughts, feelings, actions, relationships, and body. We'll also delve into various coping strategies, examining their effectiveness and compatibility with your personality, values, and circumstances. Whether it's mindfulness exercises, cognitive restructuring, creative expression, or interpersonal skill building, I tailor my approach to meet each person's specific needs and preferences.

My clients find that, as they cultivate greater self-awareness and self-acceptance, they discover newfound freedom, agency, inner peace, and fulfillment.

I understand that it can be hard to open up and face the heavier parts of the human experience. I'm here, and honored, to bear it with you.