Nicole L. Eckhardt

I received my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Military Culture and Military Families from Walden University in 2016. I also earned my certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) in July 2016. I have been practicing as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor since December 2019 and opened my private therapy practice in January 2020. During my Graduate degree internship, I gained experience from September 2015-June 2016 with clients that were 18-24 years old and were returning to school as adults to complete their high school education. Many of these young adults came from a variety of life circumstances and were dealing with many different life issues. As an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor from Aug 2016-December 2019, I completed my hours towards licensure at The Well Counseling Center: a Christian Counseling Center associated with the Well Community Church. I gained experience working with couples, families, children, and individuals experiencing many different life issues and transitions. I also completed hours with Kingsview's PATH program working with clients experiencing homelessness, substance abuse/recovery, and severe mental health issues. Although I enjoy working with clients from many different walks of life; I continue to expand my knowledge and my specializations to address certain issues. It is my desire to give back to those who serve or have served our country and I will continue to increase my knowledge and training to expand the list of services I can offer in support of Military, Veterans, and Military Families. Currently I am a Community Care provider through TriWest Healthcare Alliance and the VA to offer Veterans mental health counseling within the Community. I am currently offering Telehealth Services Only as of August 2024 to adapt to the change in needs of my family. However, as an In-office practioner I was working on completing my training and certification to offer Animal Assisted Interventions with the help of my Canine Co-Therapist, a Miniature Schnauzer named Splash. Both Splash and I are continuing our training to be a therapy team and certification in Animal Assisted Therapy Interventions to be to prepared for the day when we can return to providing In-office services. In addition, I have a special place in my heart for those dealing with infertility or pursuing adoption and continue to work on acquiring additional training and certification to provide specialized services for clients experiencing infertility, considering or pursuing adoption, and for children and adults who have been adopted. I believe my own experiences and knowledge will be beneficial to build a healthy therapeutic relationship. Using an eclectic approach, I provide a safe space and empathetic presence where clients can share whatever is keeping them from living their best life. Together I explore with my clients what their unique needs are so they can be the person they want to be.