Hi there, my name is Nicole! I am currently an intern therapist at Inner Healing Therapy in Aurora, Illinois, and I am pursuing my Master of Social Work at Aurora University. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and I’ve been passionate about becoming a therapist since high school. I am comfortable working with clients as young as adolescents and strive to create a supportive, understanding space for each person I meet. I come from an immigrant Eastern European family and was raised in both the United States and Poland. I am fluent in English and Lithuanian and continue to build my Polish language skills. My background has given me a deep appreciation for different cultures and life experiences. My personal life and values also influence my approach. I am happily married and deeply rooted in my Christian faith. I have always had a heart for listening to others, learning their stories, and supporting them in meaningful ways. My faith is an important part of my life and shapes how I approach others with compassion and respect, while always honoring each client’s individual beliefs and values. Outside of my work, I enjoy traveling and have had the opportunity to explore many places both in the U.S. and internationally, including studying abroad in Peru. All of my traveling experience helped broaden my worldview and deepened my ability to connect with people from different walks of life.