Nicole Akselrad Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, Pranayama Breathwork Facilitator, Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapist
Nicole Akselrad is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor candidate with a profound focus on helping individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in Existential therapy, which often integrates Narrative therapy to empower individuals in their journey toward healing and self-discovery.
As a practitioner, Nicole strives to help individuals separate from the problems they face while harnessing their own knowledge, skills, and resources as guiding lights. She believes in the transformative power of meaning and purpose and follows the wisdom of her mentor: “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” This foundational belief is at the core of her practice, offering unwavering support to individuals on their unique paths.
Nicole understands the significance of a genuine and empathetic counseling relationship. She views these factors as vital in facilitating reconnection and self-discovery while mending past wounds. Her therapeutic toolkit includes mindfulness and curiosity, which play a pivotal role in raising awareness of the feelings of angst and sadness residing within us. In her view, much like the foundation of a house, individuals often require safe, stable, and nurturing relationships to build the foundation for healthy connections. Nicole’s hope is that new patterns of resilience can emerge from this genuine, safe, and empathic bond, empowering individuals to access their past while feeling strong, aware, connected, and in control. This foundation equips individuals to navigate life, regardless of its circumstances.
Nicole is also certified in Pranayama breathwork and integrative somatic trauma therapy. Both somatic therapy and breathwork can bring awareness to areas that are blocked from being fully open, so you can experience life more freely, while connecting with your mind, body, and spirit. The breath provides you with the tools to feel more connected to yourself, to spirit, to your surroundings, to your relationships and connects you with the earth beneath your feet!
Nicole is also a firm believer in the transformative power of storytelling and meaning-making. She believes that one of the bravest things an individual can do is to understand their own story. By unraveling narratives and finding new possibilities and perspectives, individuals can break free from past ties and challenges. Nicole’s therapeutic approach helps individuals uncover the unconscious and bring it to the conscious, allowing them to find freedom in their unique stories.
In her own words, “Within each unique story, there is meaning and purpose.” Nicole creates a sacred, safe, and empathetic environment where individuals can embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth, ultimately finding freedom in the process. This bio captures Nicole unique therapeutic approach, her belief in the power of meaning and purpose, and her dedication to helping individuals navigate the challenges of life while embracing their unique stories.