Nicole Stern

Nicole creates a warm, compassionate environment where clients can safely explore the deeper issues behind their emotional and behavioral challenges. She has a unique ability to uncover the true root of problems, often different from what clients initially perceive. Nicole tailors her approach to each client, whether working with individuals, couples, families, or children, while always respecting their pace and readiness for change. In her work with children, Nicole focuses on those facing behavioral issues, Autism, and the emotional challenges of navigating high-conflict separations, divorces, or other adjustment concerns. She uses child-centered approaches, including play therapy, to help children through these difficult transitions and developmental challenges, providing a supportive space for them to express and heal. For adults, Nicole works with individuals facing depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Her approach is both direct and supportive, guiding clients beyond surface-level concerns to uncover deeper patterns affecting their well-being. She helps clients recognize how their thoughts, actions, and behaviors shape their lives, empowering them to make positive changes. As clients grow internally, they begin to see shifts in their external world, becoming energized by the new possibilities and choices available to them. For couples, especially those in high-conflict or separation, Nicole provides a safe space to rebuild communication and resolve conflict. She frequently works with clients dealing with codependency and complex relationship dynamics, fostering personal growth and encouraging them to make choices that lead to healthier, more fulfilling connections. Nicole believes that transformation begins with awareness and self-compassion, helping clients see new possibilities for themselves and their relationships. Education/Credentials: Adelphi University, Master of Social Work Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker #SW23529 Qualified Supervisor for Registered Interns Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator Experienced In: Nicole specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. She works with individuals coping with life changes, trauma, self-love, and boundary setting, while also addressing family dynamics such as co-dependency, parenting issues, and family problems. Nicole provides play therapy for toddlers and children, as well as support for young adults and adult children of immature parents. She has experience helping children with developmental delays, behavioral issues, and Autism, offering guidance and strategies for families navigating these challenges. For couples, Nicole offers counseling, particularly in high-conflict separation and divorce situations, where she also trained to provide mediation services to foster resolution and communication. Other experience includes: Anxiety, Autism, Behavioral Issues, Boundary setting, Co-Dependency, Depression, ADHD with kids (12 and under), ADHD with teens, ADHD with adults, Autism, Coping with Life Changes, Couples (in person or virtual), Couples with intimacy issues, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Family issues, Families with kids (in person or virtual) Families adults only (virtual), Infidelity, Kids (6yo-10yo), Middle Schoolers (11yo-12yo), Parenting issues, Personality Disorders, Substance abuse, Teenagers (in person or virtual), Trauma Processing, Clinical Approaches: Attachment Theory, Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Meditation, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic therapy, Trauma Focused-CBT Style: Authentic, Breathing/mindfulness activities in session, Direct, Educational, Empowering, Good with tough conversations and feedback, Give homework, Honest, Insight-Oriented, Relaxed, Warm