About Kate Nichols, LCSW

Hi, I'm Kate. I'm a psychotherapist who works with creative women & queer folx who want to break the cycles in their lives that are no longer serving them and create new cycles more aligned with who they want to be.

I love working with creatives & artists because I am one myself! My creative outlet is comedy and story telling. To me therapy, creativity, and comedy have so much in common. It’s all about connection, trying to make sense of our experiences, and making life a little bit easier & more enjoyable.

I think creative people are amazing because they see things that others don’t. They’re sensitive, intuitive, and open minded which enables them to see so many opportunities and connections that others might miss, but I know it can also be tough. I believe artists are essential. By putting their authentic selves and work out into the world, they help themselves and others to feel more seen and less alone.

Why I do What I Do

I've been through both wonderful and difficult experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help. As a creative queer woman it’s especially important to me to help those who have felt like they had to change or hide parts of themselves in order to be accepted. It’s my goal to help people to live confidently as their most authentic selves without the burdens of stress and shame. 

I help people understand their feelings and themselves, begin healing their trauma and live more authentic lives because I've struggled with these things myself. 

I know what it's like to have grown up feeling like others' needs & feelings should come before your own, to the point where you're not sure who you are and what you want. I know what it's like to feel like you don’t fit in, you’re “too weird” or “too sensitive” and to feel like you need to change or hide parts of yourself to be accepted and loved. 

Therapy and getting in touch with who I am and what matters to me helped me to become a more present, authentic and genuine person, to have deeper connection in my relationships, to integrate the different parts of my identity, and able to find the balance between the challenges and joy in life.

My life experiences are what lead me to become the Therapist I am today.

Helping People Gives My Life Meaning

Being a Therapist is a privilege. I love helping people become more empowered, confident and to finally create the life they desire and deserve. The most rewarding thing about being a Therapist is seeing someone walk away lighter, freer, more confident about their ability to handle challenges, and excited about their life.

I am committed to encouraging you to see healing and transformation.

I Have A Genuine Interest In Others And Bring Curiosity, Creativity, and Compassion to Sessions

I have a natural ability to:

• Help people identify what they are feeling

• Uncover what's under the surface

• Be flexible & creative on the path of discovering what's going on

• Connect the neuroscience & biology of human experience to your personal story in order to increase understanding and self-compassion  

• Help clients heal their past and manage the present

People who know me often say that I am an open minded and curious listener and that I’m good at finding connections. This makes them feel safe, seen, and like they can come as they are without being judged. 

As A Therapist, I Embrace The Following Philosophies

• I believe that change is possible when you allow yourself the space to do the work

• I believe that taking care of yourself is the most generous thing you can do for the world - just as hurting people might be more likely to hurt people; healing people are more likely to heal people

• I believe that people possess an innate capacity for healing

• I believe that we live in a society that over-focuses on individual shortcomings rather than acknowledging deep, systemic issues like sexism, racism, homophobia, ableism, protestant work ethic & more - contributing to our individual and collective experiences of unwellness 

• I believe that we can stop shame in its tracks when we share our story with someone who can hear it with empathy and understanding

• I believe we learn from our society that we need to change or hide parts of ourselves in order to be accepted and feel connected to others, but it is in actually being more authentic and aligned with our passions and values that we find the deepest, most satisfying connections

My Professional Background

I received a bachelor of arts in Sociology at Marymount Manhattan College where I received the Golden Key award in my department and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Afterward, I received my Master's in Social Work at The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, City University of New York. My time at Hunter was particularly important to me for its focus on anti-oppressive systemic work. 

I hold a license in clinical social work in the state of New Jersey. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and an EMDRIA trained EMDR Therapist. 

Currently Accepting New Clients

Email me to set up a free 20 minute consultation

Once you email me, you’ll receive more info about next steps

Email Today: cyclebreakerstherapy@gmail.com