Nicole Rea, MA, LCSW

(they/them or she/her)

In-person therapy at two Chicagoland locations;
virtual therapy anywhere in Illinois

How I’d describe myself: warm, creative, compassionate, and fun

I’m training my 110 lb Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, Dr. Carl Rogers, to be a therapy dog (so you might get to meet him one day!)
I love roller skating in Chicago summers and cuddling up inside watching horror movies and reading spooky novels year round
For my own mental health, I could never live far from a body of water (grateful shout out to the Chicago River and Lake Michigan!)
I learned as an adult that I have ADHD and it helped me to make sense of a LOT of my life experiences growing up
I’m a queer mom with a beautiful 13 y/o nonbinary artist child who is being raised in a loving blended family/co-parent community

“I started with Nicole in high school and had the stress of college decisions, homework, and friends. Now, I am out of college and still see Nicole regularly. I have seen myself grow and change into a person who has less anxiety, more self-esteem, and a better relationship with myself, friends, and family. I have a toolbox complete with resources to help me during more challenging times, and I am proud to say that I successfully use them and have noticed a significant change in my mental health.”

S.B.
“I wasn't sure what to expect when I started therapy with Nicole in 2019, but she made me feel comfortable almost immediately. I am so glad that I started when I did! She was instrumental in helping me navigate the pandemic as a healthcare worker. In addition, she helped support me during a high-risk pregnancy, becoming a mom, and going through cancer treatment. I've learned so much about myself and have built a bunch of new coping skills for stressful times. I really like the way that Nicole is able to adapt our sessions to what I need - sometimes we discuss acute issues, and other times we delve deeper into underlying trauma. She is a wonderful therapist!”

L.S.
“I feel so comfortable, seen, and supported in my sessions with Nicole. Her services have been so helpful, and I feel like I have grown and learned so much about myself in just the past couple of months.”

Anonymous
“My husband and I came to Nicole at a crisis point, unsure if our marriage could survive. She met us with radical acceptance, kindness and support, and helped us to reflect on how we got to where we were as a couple and as individuals. She helped us learn new tools to communicate and take care of ourselves, and helped us to identify patterns from our individual histories that had contributed to our problems as a couple and learn to develop healthier patterns, which we credit for not only saving our marriage, but making it stronger.”

Anonymous

“If we are holding back from any part of our experience, if our heart shuts out any part of who we are and what we feel, we are fueling the fears and feelings of separation that sustain the trance of unworthiness. Radical Acceptance directly dismantles the very foundations of this trance.”

—Tara Brach

Hi! I’m Nicole, and I’m glad you’re here.

Starting the journey of self-discovery can be … a lot. The road to authenticity is winding and with some steep climbs, and it’s crucial to feel understood and valued along the way.

I’m here to walk alongside you, offering validation and support as you explore parts of yourself that may have been hidden or marginalized.

(Genuinely) Seen and Supported

In our sessions, we'll build a strong bond grounded in radical validation and support, making sure you always feel known, recognized, and valued.

I work with you as a team, highlighting your strengths and enhancing your ability to take charge, be responsible, and grow in self-awareness.

With a special emphasis on the impacts of oppression, I help clients of diverse identities understand themselves better and learn to tackle new challenges with confidence.

Qualifications

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Trained and certified in Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) and Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP) trained and certified
40-hr. Sexual Assault Training certified by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) and Resilience (formerly Rape Victim Advocates)
Recent ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)
Somatic Experiencing (SE) practitioner in-training
Master’s degrees in Social Work and the Humanities with a focus on Gender and Sexuality Studies/Transgender Identity, both from the University of Chicago
Extensive experience working with codependency, 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
Extensive crisis counseling experience in a variety of emergency rooms across the Chicago area