Nicole Rea, MA, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
(she/her/hers or they/them/theirs)
In-person therapy at two Chicagoland locations; virtual therapy anywhere in Illinois.
How I’d describe myself: warm, real, creative, and a go-getter with a dry sense of humor (and a wet sense of humor too, by the way).
I’m currently training my 120 lb Bernese Mountain Dog puppy named Carl Rogers to be a therapy dog (so you might get to meet him one day!).
I love roller skating outside during Chicago summers and cuddling up inside watching horror movies and reading mystery novels year round.
I’m both ironically and unironically a part of “Bachelor Nation” and love binge-watching all forms of reality TV.
I’m originally from Florida and have still *barely* acclimated to Chicago winters despite living here 15+ years.
I could never live far from a body of water (grateful shout out to both 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 things.
I’m a mom to a beautiful 13 y/o non-binary artist who is being raised in a loving blended family/co-parent community.
“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, psychologist and author
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 can have 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 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)
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
Work With Nicole:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Grief & Loss
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LGBTQIA+ Identity
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Life Transitions
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Neurodiversity
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Play Therapy
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Psychosocial Evaluations
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Relationship Therapy
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Trauma