Nicole Seale

Growing up, I always felt like I didn't fit in because I felt like everyone was constantly judging me. I remember feeling eyes on me at every second and worried that people were thinking about how awkward I looked. I decided to seek therapy after my parent's divorced because constantly worrying started giving me panic attacks. Getting therapy sparked my interest in this field because of how helpful it was for me. My therapist helped me feel seen, accepted, and finally comfortable in my own skin, and I was able to learn skills and techniques that I still use today. 

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In college, I joined a research lab studying social anxiety, and I learned how the mind and body are connected. Anxiety starts in the brain with your thoughts (worries), which activate parts of the body to react in the fight, flight, and freeze response. I learned that changing how you think about the world around you can change how your body reacts, and I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients accept and control their anxiety.

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Another research lab I joined studied people who have Dark Tetrad traits (Narcissism, Psychopathy, Sadism, and Machiavellianism). I  use this research to inform my work with clients who have had relationships with people who have those traits. Dark Tetrad individuals tend to try to manipulate, control, and hurt those around them for their own personal gain. It can be confusing navigating these relationships because of the emotional abuse they use to make you question yourself. I'm here to help you accept your past experiences and not only heal, but also grow from them.

 

I have always been fascinated by relationships, how they work, and more importantly, how to sustain them in a healthy way. I help couples understand the relational patterns that influence how they view their current relationship as well as the dreams they want to achieve. My goal for couples is not only to have them communicate better, but also have a lasting partnership built on friendship, trust, and commitment. 
 

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