Music Therapy in Norfolk, VA

I see the therapeutic relationship as the most valuable tool for your growth. Working together we will identify what you need to live a purposeful life and have the relationships you seek. I strongly believe in Sankofa, which teaches us that we must go back to our roots to move forward. I hope to function as a guide, collaboratively working with you to find growth. My clinical experience includes working with adults who are managing complex, intense emotions, behaviors that are challenging and/or struggling with toxic relationships.

Nicole holds both a Bachelors of Music and a Masters of Science in Music Therapy, as well as a Masters of Social Work. As a board-certified Music Therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Nicole integrates traditional talk therapy with experiential therapies to create a safe and transformational place for clients to initiate, practice, and create change within their lives.

Brightside Counseling LLC is a community based therapeutic service dedicated to helping families, parents, couples, children, and adolescents suffering from behavioral health disabilities. Our services also include group therapy, parenting support, advocacy, home-based support, conflict management skills, social skills training, life coaching, bereavement, stress management, divorce mediation, and intensive family therapy.

"Life without change is not living; To be uncomfortable means that change is right around the corner!" I believe these words wholeheartedly as every individual arrives at a crossroads that determine whether they move forward, backward or remain stagnant. I work alongside those who may be within a crossroad in life that has them questioning which direction to choose. In my work as a Therapist, my clinical training and experience encompasses depression, couples enrichment, grief/loss, separation/divorce, relationship issues, and other emotional/interpersonal disturbances. I specialize in trauma such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, and death/illness.

Do you sometimes struggle with the motivation to manage every day life? Are you unsure about where your future is headed? Has life thrown you one curveball too many, and left you feeling depressed or anxious? Or do you just need some additional support to be your best self? No matter the reason, I understand on a personal and professional level, and I am here to assist. It takes courage to ask for help - congratulations on taking the first step in your wellness journey.

Congratulations and thank you for initiating the first step in achieving a healthy state of well-being. This journey can be a difficult one on your own, but I look forward to being the one to assist you in accomplishing your goals in treatment. I will assist you to feel the rewarding benefits of therapy and the balance that you have been looking for. My professional experience is varied and unique which allows me to meet the needs of a diverse population.

I believe strongly in the power of the human spirit and that the wisdom resides within each one of us on how best to facilitate our own healing, growth, and emancipation. My experience as a private music instructor and performing musician, as well as my work with the profoundly mentally ill, has solidified my belief in the healing power of the expressive arts. I will work with you through both verbal and non-verbal ways as a means of personal transformation and healing. I am honored to be a supportive part of your brave and transcendent journey to healing.

Have you been searching for a change, a way to feel and give love authentically, or a path to your most favorite self? Maybe you have not been sure where to look or who to ask. But here you are! As a clinician, my passion and purpose is to incorporate dance, performance, beauty, and counseling into a holistic experience for reclamation of my clients’ bodies and spirits.

Ketamine operates on the brain’s N-methyl-d-aspartate (NDMA) receptors, which can help to rapidly restore neuropathways and bring neurotransmitters to areas of the brain impacted by severe depression. Ketamine treatment also clears excess cortisol and “resets” the brain. Patients report increased clarity in thinking, creativeness, and calm. While ketamine is not a cure, it is a treatment option that can help to accelerate the healing process while relieving distressing symptoms. Subanesthetic doses of Ketamine can be a powerful tool in a comprehensive care plan for treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, pain, and PTSD.

Join our Preceptorship and Internship programs and benefit from our mental health wellness programs. We support individuals seeking tools for recovery and personal growth. Our team is committed to providing tailored resources, guidance, and support to help you achieve your goals. Take the first step towards a brighter future and let us help you take many more. At times, we may feel stuck in life and unsure of how to progress towards the person we want to become. We understand that change, growth, development, and stability are crucial for achieving our goals. However, it's not always easy to know where to start or how to get there.

Understanding our sense of self and how we fit into this thing called life is a challenge within itself. When overwhelming emotions or obstacles come in our way, we are often hurt and feel like we cannot reach our personal goals. Together we can identify your own obstacles and find a way to work toward an authentic self while receiving love, serenity, and joy. Remember that everyone deserves a place where they feel safe, comfortable, and free to be their self. Your journey toward a positive outlook and freedom from the chains that bind starts here.