Nicole Clarke

My name is Nicole Clarke and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) based in Maine and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, couples relationships, and those with a history of trauma. I utilize a biopsychosocial approach assisting in looking at the entire person. My treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma Informed Care and Emotionally Focused Therapy to assist clients and couples in working through what they feel is holding them back from being the best version of themselves.

My approach

I work from a client centered approach assisting clients to be the expert in their care. Through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I am able to assist each client with a foundational understanding of how their thoughts inevitably drive their behaviors. Through this understanding, additional modalities are utilized such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist clients with the “how” to work through unwanted thoughts. Emotionally Focused Therapy is an evidenced based approach that can assist individuals and couples with recognizing communication patterns as well as foster how to express needs, even in the most difficult of times. There are times where exploration of difficult events is needed in order to move forward and Trauma Informed Therapy can assist with this through a safe and secure environment. Understanding how thoughts and feelings work together to keep people stuck or move them forward is the hallmark of my treatment while developing healthy coping that can be used long after therapy is complete.

My focus

I have found that my client population best suited for my approach are individuals struggling with the above concerns, those dealing with life transitions and adjustments, as well as couples dealing with any transition in the relationship, including separation. Assistance with parenting as a stressor to the relationship is also a primary focus of my practice. Assisting individuals to release negative emotions who feel that a traumatic experience (abuse, job, grief and loss, etc) is also a primary focus when needed. I work to assist any client with defining a set of goals for therapy that can help with making the changes desired for a more fulfilling life.

My communication style

My communication style is accepting, reflective, and calm. I pay close attention to meet the client where they are at with communication that is best fitting and can foster the most comfort to explore all topics. I utilize both verbal and non-verbal communication to share acceptance without judgement. I also encourage a very open dialogue with the client, encouraging a space of respectful honesty.

My journey to mental healthcare

Helping people find the very best version of themselves is at the core of who I am in my career and in my personal life. I became a therapist after starting my career working with children with Autism. Learning about others through their lens of understanding has, and still is, a motivation for me each day as a clinician. I love to learn about others and the strength they endure through some of the most difficult thing’s life can throw at them. Assisting clients see their capacity for strength is also a core value I hold. Helping clients find their way to success is what has kept me in the field for the past 25 years.

My goals for you

Therapy can be overwhelming for some, and I like to assist through specific goal setting. I like to work with clients on defining at least three primary areas of difficulty in their life at the start of therapy and see where other goals might branch off from those core issues. Regular reviews of how you feel your goals are being met as well as the efficacy of therapy is part of my practice.

My first session with you

The initial session can be the most frightening for some and I love to remind clients that by the time they have made the first appointment, they have done the hardest part! The first one to two sessions are utilized for rapport building, questions about goals for therapy, and really increasing my understanding of what is most important to you for the sessions. I also like to remind clients that this is an opportunity for you to get to know me and see if you feel comfortable with our therapeutic process.