Nicole Rea (she/they)

MA, LCSW

I provide a person-centered therapeutic relationship characterized by radical validation and unconditional positive regard

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, IL

About My Clients

I approach the therapeutic relationship in a collaborative way, focusing on your strengths, helping you to deepen agency, accountability, and self-awareness, and emphasizing compassion and empathy throughout treatment. I also pay particular attention to clients' concrete needs, as well as the impact of various forms of oppression, including sexism, racism, classism, and homophobia, and specialize in helping clients of diverse identities get to know themselves better.

My Background and Approach

I hold a Master's degree in Social Work and a Master's degree in the Humanities with a focus on Gender and Sexuality Studies/Transgender Identity, both from the University of Chicago. I have been trained and certified in Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and am 40-hr Sexual Assault Training certified by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) and Resilience (formerly Rape Victim Advocates). I am also trained to work with Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs). I have experience working with substance abuse, trauma, relationships (both monogamous and non-monogamous), and issues faced specifically by LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, spanning Northwestern University's Student Health Center, Resilience, and Howard Brown Health Center, as well as extensive crisis counseling experience in a variety of Emergency Rooms across the Chicago area.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

Using integrated principles from trauma-informed CBT, mindfulness practice, feminist relational theory, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and other modalities as appropriate, we will work together in session so that your emotions, relationships, body, and lived experiences can help illuminate the way forward. While you might struggle to cope with, comprehend, and/or integrate the full message of these experiences on your own, I am here to help guide you in your exploration and discovery toward becoming your most authentic self.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Agnosticism
  • Atheism
  • Christianity
  • Wicca/Paganism

At A Glance

  • Experience: 11 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $20 - 150/session

Info

Email Nicole
1300 W Belmont Ave
Suite 207
Chicago, IL 60657
180 N Michigan Avenue
Suite 1510
Chicago, IL 60601

Reach out to Nicole