Therapist profile
Nicole McSuhm, LCSW
Illinois
LCSW - Relationships and Codependency
Continue with NicoleWhere Nicole stands
- Credentials
- LCSW
- License
- LCSW, Illinois / 149027328
- NPI
- 1174312698
- Experience
- 5 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Illinois
About
- domestic violence
- trauma informed
- strengths based
About Nicole
Nicole McSuhm is an LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois, with five years of clinical experience. She works with adults dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and issues related to LGBT identity. She also supports people coping with codependency and the ripple effects of trauma and domestic violence.
She uses an empowerment and strengths-based approach that centers on the client's goals. Sessions focus on practical skills people can use between appointments. Nicole helps clients notice patterns in how they react and teaches ways to try different responses when old habits no longer serve them.
Her background includes extensive work with domestic violence, trauma, healthy relationships, and the LGBTQ+ community. She brings experience helping people with panic, PTSD, chronic pain or illness, and the emotional fallout from family conflict or separation. She helps people who feel isolated or who struggle with self-worth and relationship boundaries.
Nicole sees individuals and couples and values clear, straightforward conversations about what is working and what isn’t. She aims to make those moments of insight accessible, not just a one-off realization but a set of tools to use going forward. Sessions typically include talking through recent problems, learning small behavioral changes, and practicing new ways to set limits.
To begin, people choose the online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. The practice uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time, and fees vary by location.
How sessions work
Approach to therapeutic methods and online sessions
Nicole works from an empowerment and strengths-based perspective, which means sessions focus on the client's goals and on building practical skills. That approach helps with relationship patterns, codependent habits, and recurring anxiety by making concrete changes to everyday behavior.She also draws on trauma-informed practices to recognize how past harm affects current reactions. This involves pacing the work to avoid retraumatizing, teaching grounding skills, and naming how triggers show up so clients can respond differently over time.
Finding the right approach is collaborative. The therapist and client decide together which techniques to try based on the client's needs, goals, and preferences. Nicole checks in often to see what feels useful and adjusts the plan when something isn’t helping.
Confirm current session options before booking by using the online therapy options button. The profile does not list specific formats, so verify whether sessions are video, phone, or another arrangement. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Many people find it helps them practice new skills in real time and apply them between sessions without rearranging their whole day.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can she help with people-pleasing and boundaries?
Yes. She addresses codependency and helps people practice setting limits and saying no in everyday situations.
What is her general approach in sessions?
She uses an empowerment and strengths-based approach focused on the client’s goals and practical skills to try between sessions.
How much experience does she have with trauma and domestic violence?
She has extensive experience working with domestic violence and trauma and has spent time supporting survivors and people recovering from abuse.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in Illinois.
Does she offer sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats does she provide?
Please confirm current session options before booking by using the online therapy options button and the matching questionnaire.
How are fees handled?
Costs vary by location and therapy is delivered through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with her practice?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.