Nicole Martin , LPCC, LCPC

Nicole Martin is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor practicing in both Illinois and California. She holds LPCC and LCPC credentials - state licenses for professional clinical counselors - and brings extensive experience from clinical counseling roles as well as a decade of work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Center for PTSD.

Nicole has supported people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, grief and loss, LGBTQ-related concerns, life transitions, motivation challenges, and struggles with self-esteem and confidence. She also has knowledge and interest in trauma recovery and coping skills related to military service, applying that background to help clients build practical strategies and resilience.

Her approach centers on creating an open, nonjudgmental environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored honestly. Nicole emphasizes collaboration, helping each person identify goals and steady steps toward change. She frames therapy as a courageous and hopeful process and aims to support and empower clients as they pursue a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Care

Nicole Martin uses client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing as core tools in her work. Client-centered therapy emphasizes a supportive, empathetic relationship in which the client guides the pace and focus of sessions; this approach helps people feel heard while they explore personal goals and emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to stress and anxiety and then developing practical skills to shift those patterns; CBT is often helpful for anxiety, stress, and coping with life changes. Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, goal-focused method that helps people resolve ambivalence and strengthen motivation for change, which can be especially useful for addictions and shifts in behavior.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Nicole will work collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds. This collaborative stance helps tailor care to the individual rather than enforcing a single model.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule regular sessions, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access support from home or while traveling. Licensed professionals can deliver effective guidance through these formats, helping clients build skills and maintain momentum between visits.