Nicole Gehlbach-Wilson (she/they)

Internal Family Systems, or "parts work", acknowledges that as humans we have both needs and strengths. If we experienced the abuse or neglect of our needs - our need for love, or agency, or safety - there are parts of us that still carry that pain. These parts might ache to have space, to speak up, to be set free. My training in IFS, under Robin Shapiro, will help us to hear the pain and wisdom of these parts, so that you can give them what they need to heal now.

I am trained in First Aid Arts therapy, and honored to use this powerful tool to support you in your healing process. Art speaks for us in ways we often don't dare or can't bear to say aloud. It can help us build connection and choice. You do not have to be good at art for it to help you heal. Art can help us to "tell the truth for as long as you need to" (Hilary McBride). The truth about the way your body carries the pain, about who you are when you feel totally free, and what you really need.

EMDR is a trauma therapy that relies on bilateral stimulation to support folx in moving through the overwhelming emotions of traumatic memory. The emotions and sensations of awful experiences we went through can get "stuck" in our body as our nervous systems attempt to keep protecting us. EMDR helps our body to trust in the strength and resources (internal and external) we have to keep ourselves safe, and can move us toward feeling whole again. I am trained to provide this online and in person.

Much of my work as a trauma therapist has been with the immigrant community from Central/South America, who have faced terrible amounts of systemic violence & oppression. From migration trauma to deportation and family separations, these warriors have taught me how we can heal in the midst of present, oppressive enemies. There is liberation in intergenerational and collective power, and in grieving and finding the power within our anger to fight back. We can heal from continuous traumatic stress

Personally and professionally, I am fed up with a world that does not have space for people who identify more expansively. I care deeply about seeing the queer and trans community find spaces of belonging and celebration, be able to unravel internalized shame, and create new roadmaps for ways of being and relating that actually lead to your thriving. I identify as queer in both sexuality and relationship structures, and am honored to come alongside kink, poly, trans and queer expansive folx.

Personally and professionally, I am fed up with a world that does not have space for people who identify more expansively. I care deeply about seeing the queer and trans community find spaces of belonging and celebration, be able to unravel internalized shame, and create new roadmaps for ways of being and relating that actually lead to your thriving. I identify as queer in both sexuality and relationship structures, and am honored to come alongside kink, poly, trans and queer expansive folx.

My passion and experience with chronic pain/illness is deeply personal. I know firsthand the incredible amount of loss - not just of health, but of energy, potential, relationships, and dreams. How much it takes to find the resilience to keep going, over and over again, and to balance hope with grief and acceptance. The world wasn't made for the pace, rest, and new ways of being that are needed. My hope is to provide space for you to hear your voice and find the powerful advocate within you.