Nicole McHugh , LPC

Nicole McHugh is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than 14 years of clinical experience supporting people across the lifespan, from adolescence through later life, and working with both neurotypical and neurodivergent presentations. She adapts her therapeutic style to suit each person's personality and primary concerns, offering a blend of structured skills work and creative exploration.

Her practice integrates a range of evidence-based methods, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT - the Linehan model), motivational interviewing, harm reduction, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). These approaches are chosen to address challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep problems, and issues related to self-esteem, intimacy, and career stress.

In addition to talk-based therapies, Nicole is a Registered Art Therapist, which brings a creative dimension to sessions and provides alternative ways to process emotions and problem-solve when words alone are not enough. Her aim is to help clients build practical coping skills, clarify values and goals, and navigate life transitions with greater resilience and self-compassion.

Evidence-based approaches for online care and skills work

Nicole McHugh draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to teach practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness - tools that are often helpful for anxiety, mood instability, and relationship challenges. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is used to help clients clarify personal values, accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and take committed action toward meaningful goals. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is an approach aimed at reducing avoidance and anxiety by gradually and safely facing feared situations or thoughts, commonly used for obsessive-compulsive patterns and related anxieties.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Nicole works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques as progress is made. Licensed professionals and therapists frequently combine strategies to tailor care to individual circumstances.

Online therapy formats - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, maintain continuity across transitions, and access support from a distance. These options provide flexibility in scheduling and allow clients to engage in therapy in ways that suit their routines and communication styles.