Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Parker.
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up, I would often hear from strangers, “I have no idea why I just shared all of that with you, I just met you!” I learned at a young age that I had a knack for making people safe enough to share things they wouldn’t normally say. Later I learned there’s a title for people like that – a therapist. Through God’s leading, those skills, and my own time as a client in therapy, eventually landed into me becoming a private practice owner – something I never would have dreamed of years ago.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
People have commented that my initiation to the world of therapy was not an easy one. There’s no such thing as the perfect job, but I went through a few pretty challenging work environments before starting my own private practice. Whether it be difficult bosses, difficult work cultures, or even difficult client relationships, there has certainly been difficulty. At various points along the journey I even considered quitting the mental health field all together and pursuing a completely different career route. I went as far as to interview for other jobs, but it never felt quite right, and I always ended up staying the course in my role as a. mental health professional. Right now, I’m incredibly grateful I’ve stayed. This job is not for the faint of heart, but it is very fulfilling.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Parker Counseling?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and my specialty is betrayal trauma. I see a lot of Christian women, but the door is open for any person to come see me, regardless of religion or gender. Due to my specialty, I end up working with a lot of women who have experienced infidelity and are trying to pick up the pieces, restore their self esteem and identity, and wisely discern next steps in the face of immense pain and confusion.
I am trained in Brainspotting, a trauma-based treatment that helps people reprocess traumatic or painful memories in a safe and contained way. I’ve had the most success treating PTSD with this modality.
I’m proud to offer a safe place for people to show their real selves and their real stories in a world that often leaves people feeling not enough.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Therapy can really feel scary at first. I know that when I’ve been on a client on the other side of the couch, I’ve been pretty guarded until I really feel I trust the person sitting across from me. It’s not easy to bare your soul to a stranger and hope that they treat your deepest pains with the tenderness and care they deserve. I see my clients as more than just clients. They’re people I care about, stories I care about, and ultimately I want to see them come out on the other side with more joy and zeal for life, a deep understanding of their identity and who they are, and if they’re Christians – a deeper sense of God’s love for them.
Pricing:
- $150 per session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://parker-counseling.org
Image Credits
I was the photographer for these (Yes I know they’re of me haha) I also own Nicole Parker Photography!
