About Nicole Weinstein, LCSW

My journey helping others began with undergraduate studies in Psychology and International Relations at Florida State University, and I later earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from Loyola University Chicago in 2015. I have worked in various levels of mental health care including Residential, Community Mental Health, Intensive Outpatient (IOP), integrated community health, Outpatient, SUD Partial Hospitalization (PHP)/IOP. 

My goal is to help you feel fulfilled in a life that you choose. 

I approach each client with warmth and compassionate care, meeting you where you are and working collaboratively to explore and address your unique needs. Many have shared that I am nurturing and calming in my demeanor, which allows others to feel safe in the space we create together.

White woman with blond hair wearing sunglasses, in the background the Grand Canyon and a blue sky with clouds.

I’m an avid traveler and rock climber, I enjoy hiking with my dogs and partner, cooking a good soup or stew, finding a new restaurant to try, and I love hosting. 

Framework

  • Trauma-Informed

    Being trauma-informed recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and focuses on creating a safe, supportive environment for healing. It emphasizes three key principles: safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment, which guides my interactions with clients and their systems.

    A trauma-informed approach is centered around the mantra: "It's not what's wrong with you, but what happened to you." This perspective fosters an environment conducive to healing and growth.

  • Cognitive-Behavioral

    A cognitive-behavioral framework offers a systematic approach to understanding and transforming the complex interplay between cognition, emotion, and behavior. By equipping clients with the tools to challenge and change their thoughts, engage in constructive actions, and set meaningful goals, CBT serves as a powerful vehicle for lasting change and personal growth.

  • Relational & Attachment Focused

    Relational and attachment-focused therapies highlight the significance of early interpersonal relationships in shaping emotional well-being. These approaches acknowledge the social nature of humans, emphasizing the impact of caregiver relationships on development and coping. By integrating these therapies, I collaboratively explore clients' early attachment experiences and strengthen the therapeutic alliance. This process allows clients to reassess past relationships and cultivate new strategies for healing and growth, ultimately fostering resilience and more fulfilling connections.

  • AIP

    Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) framework helps us understand how people deal with emotions and memories, especially in therapy. It suggests that the brain works like an adaptable system, always trying to process and make sense of information for better functioning and well-being.

    When someone faces a traumatic or distressing event, it can disrupt this processing system, leading to unprocessed memories, emotions, and beliefs. This can result in various psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. A traumatic experience may not fit well into the person’s story, which is why these symptoms arise. By emphasizing the need to integrate traumatic experiences, therapists can promote healing and personal growth.

Speciality Training

  • EMDR basic training completed August 2022.

    G-TEP completed in November 2024.

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) completed February 2022.

  • Trauma-Focused CBT training completed March 2021.

  • DBT skills training in progress.

True fulfillment grows as you face challenges, align with your values, and embrace the life you create.