PuttingFamilyFirst

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NG Portrait of Nicole Garza
Online therapist

Nicole Garza

Practical support for families and parenting

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
13 years
Licensed in
North Carolina
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Nicole

Nicole Garza is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 13 years of experience. She focuses on family and parenting concerns alongside a wide range of stressors like anxiety, depression, grief, and addiction. Nicole aims to create a calm, direct space where parents can talk through what is overwhelming them and find practical next steps.

Nicole draws on straightforward, evidence-informed methods to guide conversations. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to spot unhelpful thinking patterns and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to build emotional coping.

Background and approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps with values-based choices when life feels chaotic. Her background includes military service in the Army and clinical work across several states. That experience informs a flexible approach to different family dynamics.

She also brings specific experience addressing trauma, addiction, and relationship problems. In sessions Nicole emphasizes a clear, honest working relationship. She prioritizes trust and practical goals so progress is visible.

Parents can expect direct feedback, skill practice, and discussions about how family patterns affect daily life. Nicole offers multiple ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging. Sessions are provided in English and she accepts clients internationally.

To start, a short matching questionnaire and scheduling step are used to set up the first appointment.

How evidence-based approaches fit into online family support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while identifying what matters most to them. It is useful when parents need to make choices that align with their values despite stress or uncertainty. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors with practical strategies. CBT can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and change patterns that affect family life. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. Those tools are helpful when emotions run high or when relationships feel strained.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Nicole will collaborate with each person to choose methods that fit their goals, needs, and daily life. She adapts techniques over time and checks in about what is working so therapy stays useful and focused on real family concerns.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make scheduling easier for busy families. These options let parents connect from home, fit therapy into tight routines, and use different formats as needs change. The flexible formats also allow continued progress between appointments through short messages or chat when needed.

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.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Nicole address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, trauma and abuse, parenting and family problems, intimacy issues, sleeping difficulties, anger, career concerns, bipolar disorder, compassion fatigue, and related areas.
What is her general therapeutic style?
Nicole uses a direct, relationship-based style that focuses on practical skills and clear goals. Sessions combine talking with concrete skill practice to help with everyday parenting and family challenges.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 13 years of experience and has worked in multiple states, including time served as a veteran of the Army which shapes her adaptable approach.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - NC LCSW C007548 and practices from North Carolina.
Which languages are supported and can international clients participate?
Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different schedules and needs.
How does cost and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Nicole?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Next step

Talk to Nicole

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