Nick Vaske, LCSW, CADC I (he/him)

Narrative 

My graduate training is primarily in narrative therapy, and my approach is to engage in self-exploration by taking an outside, curious perspective of ourselves and our stories, gain greater insight into the events that have shaped us, enrich our stories by recognizing our resilience, and use that knowledge and perspective to better define what we would like our futures to be.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I have many years of experience working in residential, day treatment, and outpatient programs that use CBT individual and group counseling approaches to help both youth and adults understand their thought processes and learn specific skills that help them to more effectively accomplish their goals.

Relational 

We do not live in isolation, and our relationships to others and to our communities and culture influence us in many ways. Relational therapy aims to understand how the relationships in our lives and cultural/systemic forces shape who we are, and how we are doing in turn influences our relationships. The therapeutic relationship between you and I also offers a direct experiential opportunity for us to explore and work on relationship dynamics.

LGBTQ Issues

I am a queer-identified person and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I have worked with adults and youth in both inpatient and outpatient settings around their sexual orientations and gender identities to build knowledge, understanding, self-compassion, and appreciation for how wonderful they are, find community, and better cope with a society that is often oppressive.

Bipolar

I have spent the last three years working specifically with adults with severe mental illness including bipolar disorders in varying stages of recovery. I also have lived experience with bipolar disorder that I can draw from when it is helpful to relate, while also recognizing that everyone's experience is unique.

Child or Adolescent Issues

Most of my career has been working with youth in foster care, mentoring, and in residential placements for youth who have been adjudicated and are on probation or parole. I am goofy, a gamer, relatable and patient.

Coronavirus/COVID-19

We are all in this one together, and when facing this we are in partnership. I have a lot of experience prior to covid working with people who are isolated, people who face a great deal of stigma, and people with multiple health complications and risk factors. I'm happy to talk about covid whether it is dealing with isolation and quarantine, or supporting you if you've been directly impacted.

Sexual Abuse

I have several years of experience working with survivors of DV/SA as an advocate and therapist. I have multiple years of experience working with youth who have perpetrated sexual abuse as a mentor and therapist.