Nicholas Smith, LCPC - Therapist in Illinois

About Nicholas

Nicholas Smith is a licensed clinical professional counselor who focuses on practical support for people feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to change. He speaks plainly about managing emotions, shifting unhelpful thinking, and identifying small steps that line up with a person’s values and goals. Sessions aim to help a person feel more motivated and clear about next actions.

Nicholas holds an Illinois LCPC credential and brings 13 years of experience to his work.

Background and approach

He draws from several therapy styles to match what each person needs. In sessions he looks at how thoughts influence feelings and behavior, and practices skills to reduce distress and increase flexibility. He also helps people examine values and life direction when choices feel confusing or empty.

Nicholas’s clinical background includes work in a college counseling center, a hospital inpatient psychiatric unit, independent practice, and a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center. That range of settings informs how he adapts tools to different situations and problems. Parents and caregivers often seek him out for issues related to stress, parenting, sleep problems, and relationship strain.

He also works with concerns such as anxiety, depression, addiction, ADHD, grief, and anger. Nicholas aims to provide clear explanations and practical steps during each visit. Therapy sessions are offered in formats that fit busy lives, and he approaches each person with directness and compassion.

The goal is steady progress toward clearer priorities and better emotional control rather than quick fixes.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that fit your life

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on helping people clarify what matters to them and take small actions toward those values even when emotions or worries are strong. It can help with feeling stuck, purpose questions, and coping with difficult feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors keep problems going and teaches concrete strategies to change them. It is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and many daily struggles. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes practical emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and communication skills that help when anger, impulsive behaviors, or intense emotions are a problem.

Nicholas sees finding the right approach as a collaborative process. He will talk through options and tailor methods to a person’s goals, strengths, and preferences rather than using a single fixed style. Together they decide which techniques to try and adjust them over time based on what helps.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make scheduling easier for busy households. These formats let people connect from home or on the go and use the communication style that feels most comfortable. The variety of formats also makes it simpler to practice skills between sessions and to get steady support while balancing family and work.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Nicholas address?

He helps with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, parenting struggles, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep problems, ADHD, grief, anger, and related concerns.

What is his general approach in sessions?

Sessions emphasize understanding thought patterns, learning skills to manage emotions, and taking values-based steps. He mixes practical exercises with reflective discussion.

How long has he been practicing?

Nicholas has 13 years of clinical experience working in college counseling, inpatient psychiatry, independent practice, and addiction treatment settings.

What are his credentials and where is he licensed?

He is an LCPC - Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - licensed in Illinois with licence number IL LCPC 180010190.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available with him?

He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different preferences and schedules.

How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin if I want to work with him?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Addictions
ADHD
Anger management
Career difficulties
Codependency
Commitment issues
Control issues
Dependent personality
Depression
Emptiness
Family conflicts
Grief
Guilt and shame
Intimacy-related issues
Life purpose
Men's issues
Parenting issues
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Relationship issues
Sleeping disorders
Social anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 13 years
Licensed: Illinois
Languages: English

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