I am an independently licensed counselor heralding from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have a broad theoretical and philosophical background and incorporate mindfulness and eastern philosophy in my psychotherapy practice. My primary background and expertise are in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the first mindfulness-based modality to be empirically supported. To think dialectically is to embrace the notion that there is no singular truth in the universe and to search for synthesis in what seems to be polarized. In psychotherapy, there is an implicit dialectal balance of acceptance and change. For instance, DBT assumes that all human beings are doing the best that they can (acceptance) and will need to work harder and do more in order to accomplish their goals (change). Adopting a dialectical stance can help individuals find a new way of looking at life that leads to less suffering and to find a middle path when life seems to present a split road.
The foundation of DBT is mindfulness. In order to change any behavior, we must first come into awareness and acceptance of what is happening in the present moment. DBT also incorporates skills training to help individuals learn to self-regulate their emotions, tolerate distress without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms, and to be more effective interpersonally. Some client’s come to me specifically for coaching in mindfulness and skills training as acquiring these skills brings significant improvement in job performance, relationships, parenting, and overall enhancement of quality of life. Though mindfulness does not necessarily mean meditation, I do offer training in formal meditative practices for those who wish to learn. In addition to DBT, I am also trained in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Rumination Focused Cognitive Therapy, Eye Motion Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Behavior Modification, and traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have been able to apply these interventions successfully for clients with a wide variety of presenting problems ranging from anxiety and mood disorders to acute trauma and personality disorders.
Regardless of what modality I am using or what presenting problem is being addressed, the work that I do is compassion-focused. I believe that learning to accept ourselves and treat ourselves with compassion is the foundation for all healing to occur. This comes through in the way I interact in therapy. You will find me warm, accepting, and genuine. The most common feedback I get from clients is that they can tell that I truly care about them and that talking with me is like talking to a “normal person” not a therapist (which always gives me a chuckle). I very much look forward to developing a genuine relationship with you and helping you along in whatever way that I can.
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, ADHD, BDSM, Kink, Alternative Sex Culture, Chronic pain illness and disability, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Emptiness, Fatherhood Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality Disorders, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Self-love, Sex Addiction, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
NM LPCC CCMH0213101
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Nicholas Cuccia. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Nick is a thoughtful, creative counsellor who is a gracious listener and effective teacher. He offered great insight when I asked for it, and helpful tools to practice in my daily life.
Written on Oct 05, 2020 after therapy with Nicholas for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, and coaching