Nicole Ekiss, LCSW
Nicole brings over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, providing therapeutic services for children, adolescents, and adults. She is trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including EMDR, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Adlerian Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Sand Tray Therapy.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a passion for helping individuals thrive by meeting them where they are with compassion, insight, and evidence-based care. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois at Springfield in 2005, followed by a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2011.
With over a decade of experience as a school social worker across diverse educational settings, I bring a deep understanding of child and adolescent development, behavioral challenges, and school-based interventions. I have extensive training in play therapy techniques and am also trained in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
In addition to clinical work, I offer professional trainings on topics such as the ethical use of technology in social work, sand tray therapy, integrating play therapy in school settings, and strategies for addressing challenging behaviors.
I enjoy working with the LGBTQ+ community, offering both individual and group counseling that emphasizes affirmative care and a client-centered approach. My goal is to create a safe, inclusive space where every client feels seen, supported, and empowered on their journey toward healing and self-discovery.