We all develop patterns that once helped us feel safe — but over time, they can leave us feeling stuck, reactive, or disconnected. These responses can show up in relationships, emotions, or the ways we try to manage what feels overwhelming.
Change begins when we can understand these patterns with compassion rather than judgment.
I work with adults, parents, and families using a trauma-attuned, developmentally informed approach to make sense of behavior and emotion, ease reactivity, and build lasting capacity for connection and change.
Serving the Chicago-area | In-person & telehealth ( Illinois residents) | Insurance accepted
New clients: schedule a free consultation — Current clients: book your next session.
You might find yourself stuck in patterns of reacting, disconnecting, or holding everything together and feeling increasingly alone.
Individual therapy creates space to understand how your brain and body respond to stress, build flexibility in how you navigate emotions and relationships, and rebuild trust in your capacity for change.
Common focuses: Complex trauma, relationship patterns, nervous system regulation, neurodivergent identity, grief
Parenting a child with intense emotions & behaviors or complex needs can be isolating & overwhelming.
Parent-child therapy helps you understand what your child's behavior is communicating, build co-regulation skills, and find steadiness without losing yourself in the process.
Common focuses: Neurodivergence, FASD, developmental trauma, adoption/foster care, brain-based behavior challenges
Many traditional approaches overlook how brains, bodies, & histories shape behavior.
My approach is grounded in neurobehavioral and relational principles, supporting individuals and families impacted by neurodevelopmental differences, trauma, & related challenges.
We focus less on “fixing behaviors” and more on understanding brain-based needs, building regulation, and creating environments where growth & connection become possible.
Chicago | jnikols@flowcounseling.net | 312.488.9049
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