Nicole Kough , LCPC

Nicole Kough is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) practicing in the southern/central area of Illinois. As an LCPC she holds a state license to provide professional mental health counseling and she brings a warm, supportive presence to her work. Nicole graduated from Lindenwood University in 2014 and has substantial experience supporting people through mood and relationship concerns.

She has worked with clients facing depression, anxiety, and marriage and relationship issues, using a non-judgmental, compassionate approach. Nicole integrates cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused techniques to help clients explore unhelpful thought patterns, identify practical steps forward, and build skills for coping with life s challenges. Therapy is personalized to each person s needs, with an emphasis on listening, understanding, and collaboration.

Nicole aims to create an environment where healing can begin and where clients can develop clearer perspectives, stronger relationships, and more effective strategies for day-to-day living. Her style blends empathy with goal-oriented work to help people move toward meaningful change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Remote Care

Nicole uses client-centered therapy to place the person s experience at the center of the work, offering empathy and acceptance while supporting clients to identify their own goals and strengths. This approach is helpful for building trust and addressing issues like low self-esteem and interpersonal concerns.

She also incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a practical method that helps people recognize and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is often useful for anxiety, depression, panic symptoms, and stress-related difficulties.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Nicole works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques from different models to tailor care to the individual.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, allowing people to access licensed professionals from home, work, or elsewhere. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to maintain consistent support while working toward personal goals.