My services are grounded in a relational and trauma‑responsive approach that recognizes how closely the brain, body, and relationships are connected. I support adults, parents, and families in making sense of behavior and emotion, finding what helps with regulation and trust, and creating space for meaningful change. Across individual therapy, parent–child work, and consultation, the focus is on understanding—not fixing—and fostering steadiness, connection, and growth.
INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR ADULTS
At times, you may feel caught in patterns of reacting, disconnecting, or working hard to hold everything together. These protective ways of coping may have once helped you get through difficult experiences, but now leave you feeling stuck or disconnected from yourself and others.
Individual therapy offers space to slow down and listen to what is happening inside—thoughts, feelings, body responses, and the parts of you that are trying to cope or protect. Sessions may focus on the impacts of stress, trauma, grief, relationship patterns, identity, or living with neurodevelopmental differences.
Together, we pay attention to how you relate to yourself and others, make sense of familiar cycles that keep you stuck, and support more choice, flexibility, and self-compassion in daily life. The process moves at your pace, helping you rebuild trust in yourself and cultivate a greater sense of balance, presence, and connection.
PARENT-CHILD PSYCHOTHERAPY
When a child is struggling, the whole family feels it. Before children can learn to regulate on their own, they need help regulating through connection—and a parent’s active engagement plays a vital role in that process.
Parent–child therapy focuses on supporting your child, you, and the relationship between you. Using a developmental, relationship‑based approach grounded in safety, connection, and trust, we explore what your child’s behavior may be communicating about their stress, skills, and experiences. Together, we find new ways to respond that strengthen co‑regulation and confidence for both of you.
Sessions may include time with your child, time with you, and time together, all with the goal of building trust, improving communication, and creating more workable patterns at home.
CAREGIVER & FAMILY GUIDANCE
Supporting a child with emotional, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental challenges can be overwhelming, isolating, and discouraging, especially when traditional strategies don’t seem to work. These moments often leave parents feeling ineffective or alone, despite their deep care and effort.
Caregiver guidance offers a space to think together about your child’s needs and how those needs interact with your own stress, expectations, and history. Through reflection, education, and concrete strategies, we reframe behaviors within a brain‑ and relationship‑based context. Sessions are collaborative and focus on building understanding, steadiness, and connection so your family can move toward more predictability, balance, and mutual trust.
*Some services may not be appropriate for all individuals; clinical discretion will be used to determine if an individual may be more appropriately supported through therapeutic services.
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION
Professional consultation is available for clinicians, educators, and service providers seeking deeper understanding and guidance when supporting individuals and families affected by trauma or neurodevelopmental differences.
These conversations focus on case conceptualization, reflective practice, and using relationship‑centered, brain‑informed approaches to promote regulation and safety across systems. The goal is to enhance clarity, compassion, and confidence in your work—while strengthening the networks of support around those you serve.
In-person psychotherapy, counseling, & guidance sessions are available in the Chicago office.
For those who can not attend in-person sessions, most services are available via telehealth. Telehealth sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPPA-compliant virtual meeting platform.
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Chicago | jnikols@flowcounseling.net | 312.488.9049
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