- CBT informed
- Solution-focused work
- Narrative perspective
About Nicole
Nicole Kough is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with 15 years of experience. She has worked with people facing depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and many life transitions. Her practice includes issues like grief, family conflict, and feelings of guilt and shame.
Nicole takes a straightforward, conversational approach. She listens, asks clear questions, and helps people untangle difficult thoughts. Sessions focus on identifying unhelpful thinking and finding steps that fit the client's life.
Her work draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to address thought patterns and to develop practical ways forward. She also uses Client-Centered and Narrative techniques to understand a person’s story and values. These methods are used together depending on what each individual needs.
People come to her for help with panic, social anxiety, anger, intimacy issues, and challenges at work or home. She also supports those dealing with blended family concerns, divorce or separation, and communication problems. Forgiveness, self-love, and relationship strain are part of her caseload.
Nicole practices in Illinois and sees clients in English. She aims to help people clarify what matters to them, break down problems into manageable steps, and build small, workable changes into everyday life.
How her approaches translate to online work
Nicole commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy in her work. CBT looks at how thoughts influence feelings and behavior and helps people test and change unhelpful thinking. Solution-Focused Therapy centers on small, actionable steps to move toward clear goals and is useful for practical problems and coping with life changes.She also draws on Client-Centered and Narrative methods to listen to a person's story and help them name the values behind their choices. The therapist and client will work together to decide which approaches fit best, based on the client’s goals, history, and preferences. That collaborative process is part of the work itself.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to schedule appointments, fit short check-ins into a busy day, or avoid travel time. Discussing which methods to use and how sessions will run happens in the first meetings so practical arrangements match your needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, and related issues such as guilt and shame.
How would she approach feelings of guilt or shame?
She uses cognitive behavioral and narrative techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and to reframe personal stories that keep people stuck.
How much experience does she have?
She has been practicing since 2009 and brings 15 years of clinical experience to her work in Illinois.
What credential does she hold and where does she practice?
She is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and practices in Illinois.
Does she offer sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are session costs handled?
Costs vary by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.