Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Life Transition, Behavioral Issues
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Nicole
Nikki Budd is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 8 years of experience in the mental health field and 4 years of providing therapy. She enjoys helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds overcome the challenges they face and accomplish their short-term and long-term goals. Nikki specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, life problems, interpersonal issues, stress management, and parenting issues.
Nikki completed her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Duquesne University. She uses a variety of treatment approaches including person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and reality therapy. Nikki understands every client comes to therapy with their own motivations and unique challenges and strives to create a partnership with each client to develop a therapeutic relationship that will support them in meeting their goals.
We all go through periods where life may not be exactly how we'd like it to be, which are often accompanied by a readiness for change. While some may have a clear understanding of the changes they'd like to see, others may simply feel stuck or be unable to put the changes they'd like to make into words. Nikki is confident she can help you cope with life's trials and accomplish your goals regardless of which camp you fall into!
"As a strength-based therapist, I understand that at any given moment every client is trying their best to accomplish their goals, and that success can often come by helping the client identify their strengths and how to use them in new and creative ways."
Get to know Nicole
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
I decided to become a counselor because I have always enjoyed talking with others and learning about their life experiences...and, to be honest, helping people feel better simply seemed like a nice way to spend my days.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I am most excited to work with clients who are motivated to work toward their goals, regardless of what those goals might be.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
I wish all clients knew that they can make the positive changes they are searching for! Change happens differently for everyone and is rarely a linear process. Some clients might need just a few sessions to spark the changes they want to see, for others it may take longer. Sometimes the path to where we want to be is clear cut, but other times the path to that end result may be more twisty and winding than originally anticipated. While the latter option can be a little discouraging at times, it's important to remember that everyone has their own unique set of strengths that will help them reach their goals regardless of what the path ahead looks like. And, of course, you don't have to figure out all those twists and turns on your own!
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
The honest truth: lots of questions. Questions help me to get to know you and to better understand your motivations and goals for therapy. A better understanding of these things really helps me to make sure we are structuring future sessions to target issues and goals that are important to you. My hope is that this helps you feel better as quickly as possible and lets you get the most out of our time together.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
Besides getting to know you better, I always strive to help clients identify one small goal they can work toward between their first and second sessions. This allows us to start working on developing new skills, thought patterns, habits, etc. right away, which hopefully will help you to start to feel better as soon as possible.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?
I will not give up on you, but I cannot do more work than you. If I did, you wouldn't see the long term results you're hoping for, and would likely be disappointed with your experience in therapy. Lasting change can only come from you putting in the work consistently both inside and outside of sessions. That being said, I am willing to fight for your success just as hard as you are, and will be with you every step of the way!
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with my family.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 4 years
- Graduating institute
- Duquesne University
- Graduating degree
- M.S.Ed. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Additional details
Practice information
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