About Nicole Weinstein, LCSW

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

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. 

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.

Smiling woman sitting on a brown sofa, wearing a black long-sleeve top and pants, with blonde hair and hoop earrings.

I enjoy taking a yoga class, planning trips, hiking with my dogs and partner, cooking a good soup or stew, finding a new restaurant to try, and hosting loved ones for dinner or game nights.

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

My Core Values

  • Compassion Over Judgment

    Every part of you is welcome here—even the ones you’ve tried to hide. I hold space for your whole story, with empathy and zero judgment.

  • Depth & Curiosity

    We don’t just skim the surface. I believe in exploring the why beneath the what—with curiosity, gentleness, and a deep respect for your pace.

  • Safety & Trust

    Healing happens when you feel safe enough to be vulnerable and authentic. I prioritize creating a space where you can be honest, open, and fully human.

  • Commitment to Growth

    Therapy is a process, not a quick fix. I honor the courage it takes to show up again and again—for yourself, your healing, and your future.

  • Relationship as Healing

    The therapeutic relationship matters. It’s not just about what we talk about—it’s about how you’re held, supported, and understood along the way.

I am trauma-informed and attachment-based because I feel that has helped so many of my clients. — Nicole

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.

  • In Progress

"Change begins at the end of your comfort zone"