Seeing a therapist for the first time can be uncomfortable-having to go to a complete stranger and start sharing some of the most difficult parts of your life is really intimidating. Just being willing to come into a session already means that you have a great deal of strength, and my job is to help you acknowledge that strength and achieve your goals. I use an empowerment model, meaning that we'll be focusing on what you want to learn from therapy, and we'll figure out together what works best for you.
I have an extensive background in domestic violence, trauma, healthy relationships, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have also worked a great deal with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to PTSD. My favorite part of being a therapist is watching that "lightbulb" moment for a client when they understand why their brain is acting the way it is. I see couples and individuals as clients, and I use a strengths-based approach. I really enjoy helping folks figure out how to enhance the skills that they've been using to make it this far.
I am licensed in Illinois with my clinical social work license and have 5 years of therapy experience.
Additional areas of focus: Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Codependency, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Isolation / loneliness, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexuality, Women's issues
IL LCSW 149027328
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Nicole McSuhm. 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.
A wonderful listener and someone who has gotten to see me before I even did. Super empathetic and relatable and always provides options for solutions that would best fit me and the problem at hand. She’s very knowledgeable and I leave therapy feeling like I learned more about myself.
Written on Jan 22, 2026 after therapy with Nicole for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Nicole is an excellent therapist - I'm making progress and feeling heard, encouraged, challenged, and supported. 10/10
Written on Dec 22, 2025 after therapy with Nicole for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd