PhD, LPC | Co-Founder

Hi, I'm Nicole

I work with individuals, couples, parents, and young adults dealing with anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, and relationship challenges. LGBTQ+ affirming and integrative in my approach.

Individual & Couples Anxiety & OCD Depression & Trauma Neurodivergence Parenting Support Young Adults LGBTQ+ Affirming Nervous System Regulation Perfectionism & High Productivity
Work With Me

Or email me directly: nicole@fernandfeathercounseling.com

↓ Keep reading — my story, approach & specialties

Nicole, PhD, LPC — Co-Founder of Fern & Feather Counseling

My Story

I'm a bit of an unusual therapist. Before I became a counselor, I spent years as a college professor with a PhD in Biology. I taught future healthcare providers about the nervous system, stress responses, and the intricate connections between brain and body. I still teach — I love it, and I love working with young adults who are navigating their own big questions about life.

All that scientific knowledge became deeply personal when I started to process my own trauma and anxiety — and when I learned that my child is neurodivergent. I knew exactly what was happening in the nervous system, but knowing wasn't enough. I wanted to understand my daughter, to understand myself, and what I discovered was that therapy is incredibly powerful.

That's what drew me to become a clinician. I went back to school for counseling, and now I help others the way therapy helped me — at the intersection of hard science and genuine compassion. I still teach healthcare professionals, because I believe the best therapists never stop learning. Whether you're an individual struggling with anxiety, a couple trying to reconnect, or a parent navigating the complexities of raising a neurodivergent kid, we'll use evidence-based approaches that actually work.

How I Work

Science-based, relationally-focused, and deeply human.

🧠 My Integrative Approach

I draw from multiple evidence-based modalities tailored to your needs — and as a trained scientist, research isn't just a buzzword for me. It's the foundation. These are just some of the approaches I use:

  • IFS (Internal Family Systems) — Understanding your inner parts
  • Somatic Therapies — Working with the body to heal the mind
  • ERP (Exposure & Response Prevention) — For OCD and anxiety
  • Attachment Theory — Understanding relationship patterns
  • Gottman Method — Research-based couples therapy
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) — Distress tolerance and emotional regulation
  • CBT & ACT — Practical tools for thoughts and behaviors

And more — we'll find what works for your unique brain and needs.

❤️ What to Expect

Our work together is:

  • Casual & warm — This isn't stuffy clinical theater. I'm real, I'm human, and yes, I swear sometimes. Come as you are.
  • Evidence-based first — As a trained scientist, research is the foundation of everything we do. Warmth matters — but it's always backed by approaches that actually work.
  • Non-judgmental — Whatever you're dealing with, I've heard it. No judgment, ever.
  • Collaborative — You're in charge of your healing. We go at your pace.
  • Trauma-informed — Safety and consent always come first.
  • All are welcome — All identities, all backgrounds, all relationship structures, all family types. You belong here exactly as you are.
  • Funny & human — We can laugh. We can be real. Therapy doesn't have to be somber to be effective.

Who I Work With

I specialize in working with individuals, couples, parents, and young adults facing complex challenges.

I work with individuals navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, and trauma — and couples wanting to strengthen their connection. I also love working with parents, especially those raising neurodivergent kids, and young adults finding their way. Many of my clients are neurodivergent themselves, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who want therapy that honors their whole selves.

My style? Casual, warm, non-judgmental, and genuinely human. I'm funny, I swear sometimes, and I believe therapy doesn't have to be stuffy to be effective. I care deeply about creating a space where everyone feels genuinely welcome — all identities, all backgrounds, all family types. You belong here exactly as you are. But don't let the casual vibe fool you: as a trained scientist, evidence-based practice is the foundation of everything we do.

Whether you're in crisis, exploring deeper patterns, or simply ready to feel better, I create a space where you can be fully yourself. You don't have to navigate this alone.

I specialize in supporting:

  • • Individuals with anxiety/OCD
  • • Couples seeking reconnection
  • • Parents of neurodivergent kids
  • • Young adults & college students
  • • Depression & trauma survivors
  • • Neurodivergent clients
  • • LGBTQ+ community
  • • High achievers & perfectionists

A Holistic Approach to Healing

Because you are more than just your symptoms.

I believe in treating the whole person — not just the diagnosis. Your mind, body, and emotional world are all connected, and healing happens when we address all of these parts with evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs.

Modalities I Draw From

As a trained scientist, evidence-based practice is paramount to me. These are just some of the approaches I use — we'll find what works for your unique needs.

  • 🧠 IFS (Internal Family Systems) — Understanding your inner parts and how they work together.
  • 🌱 Somatic Therapies — Working with the body to release stored trauma and activate healing.
  • 🔄 ERP (Exposure & Response Prevention) — Gold-standard treatment for OCD and anxiety.
  • 💞 Attachment Theory — Understanding how relationships shape your patterns and healing through connection.
  • 💑 Gottman Method — Research-based couples therapy for deeper understanding and reconnection.
  • ⚖️ DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) — Building distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
  • 🧩 CBT & ACT (Cognitive Behavioral & Acceptance Commitment Therapy) — Practical tools for managing thoughts and building a meaningful life.

And more — these are just some of the tools in my toolkit. Not sure which approach is right for you? We'll figure it out together. Your healing, your way.

What I Work With

🧠

Anxiety & OCD

Generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety, intrusive thoughts, compulsions. I use ERP, CBT, and somatic approaches to help you reclaim your life.

🌧️

Depression

Persistent low mood, loss of interest, feeling stuck. We'll explore the roots and build practical tools for moving forward.

Trauma & PTSD

Single-incident trauma, complex PTSD, childhood trauma. I use IFS, somatic approaches, and evidence-based trauma processing to help you heal safely.

💕

Couples Therapy

For partners who want to reconnect, communicate better, or navigate a crisis. All relationship structures welcome. I use Gottman Method to create lasting change.

👨‍👩‍👧

Parenting Support

Parenting is hard — especially when you're raising a neurodivergent child or navigating your own triggers. As a parent of a neurodivergent kid myself, I get it. Let's find your footing.

🎓

Young Adults

College students, early career, figuring out who you are. The transition to adulthood is messy and beautiful. I still teach college and love working with this age group.

🧩

Neurodivergence

ADHD, autism, learning differences. I provide neurodiversity-affirming therapy that works with your brain, not against it.

🏳️‍🌈

LGBTQ+ Affirming Care

Identity exploration, coming out, relationship challenges, minority stress. A safe, celebratory space for all identities.

🌿

Nervous System Regulation

Chronically dysregulated, stuck in fight-or-flight, or shut down? Using somatic work, breath, and yoga-informed practices, I help you understand your nervous system and build real tools to feel safe in your body again.

Education & Training

Education

  • PhD in Biology
  • MSc in Biology
  • MS in Clinical Counseling
    Clinical mental health counseling program

Licensure

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
    State of Georgia

Specialized Training

  • Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) Certification
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1)
  • Brainspotting training
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) training
  • Certified Yoga Instructor, YT 200
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) training
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • Trauma-Informed Yoga
  • Somatic Experiencing (SE) training

Published Author

📚 Olivia & Bun Bun: The Extraordinary Extra X

Nicole is the author of a children's book about Trisomy X — a chromosomal variation where a female is born with an extra X chromosome. This gentle, affirming story helps children and families understand and celebrate neurodivergence in a way that is accessible and warm.

View on Amazon →

Investment

$150–$185/session

45–70 minute individual therapy

  • ✓ Anxiety, trauma, nervous system work
  • ✓ Flexible scheduling — several times a week, weekly, biweekly, or monthly
  • ✓ In-person or telehealth
Book Individual Session
$190–$235/session

50–80 minute couples therapy

  • ✓ All relationship types welcome
  • ✓ Flexible scheduling — several times a week, weekly, biweekly, or monthly
  • ✓ In-person or telehealth
Book Couples Session

Ready to Work Together?

Whether you're looking for individual support or couples therapy — let's talk about what's going on. Free 15-minute consultation, no commitment.

Prefer email? Reach me directly at nicole@fernandfeathercounseling.com