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Hello! I’m Nicole Gentili, LCSW and I’ve been a clinician, supervisor and leader in mental health for 20 years. My style is approachable, strengths-based, optimistic and creative. I work with clients of all ages and have extensive experience with youth, families and anxiety disorders. The best part of my job is building meaningful, healing connections with my clients.
My approach
My clinical approach draws mainly from humanistic, psychodynamic, CBT and family systems theories. I look at problems in their environmental and cultural context - what works for one person or family can cause high distress in another. I honor and welcome diversity and will tailor my approach to the strengths and goals of each unique client. I love the work I do!
My focus
I am trained in both CBT and relational / family models for addressing anxiety and mood disorders in clients of all ages. I have also been trained to support parents in addressing a range of challenging child behaviors. I love working with teenagers and young adults - either individually or with their families. I have experience with neurodiversity, self-harm, crisis intervention and eating disorders as well.
My communication style
I believe we can become the best version of ourselves when we feel safe, valued and cared for unconditionally. When therapy is built on a foundation of safety and transparency, we can share openly and accept feedback about how we might be getting in the way of our own success. My therapeutic style has been described as optimistic, warm, intelligent and welcoming. Using humor as needed!
My journey to mental healthcare
In childhood I struggled a great deal with worries and perfectionism. My parents didn’t pressure me, so nobody really understood where this was coming from. In high school I adored my psychology course and became fascinated with dream interpretation and human behavior. At that point I realized I could combine my curiosity about the human mind with a career focused on helping others overcome their struggles. Clinical social work is my true calling and I’ve never regretted it once!
My goals for you
I spend a lot of time conducting a detailed assessment of past and current experiences, and seek a thorough understanding of the client’s description of the problem. I support clients in setting realistic goals, reminding them that small steps forward are worth celebrating and setbacks are common and surmountable. I will ask clients to give me regularly feedback about what is or isn’t helping, and whether it feels we are on the right track.
My first session with you
The first session is an opportunity for clients to share why they are seeking therapy and what they hope to gain from it. However, it’s not necessary for these details to be crystal clear from the start! I meet clients where they are, and will be happy to answer questions and let them identify the best starting point. The first few sessions are also an important time for building rapport and for clients to feel we are a good fit.
