Nicholas, LMHC

What made you want to get into this field?

Growing up on Staten Island, I did not have the support system I needed as a young gay person. It wasn’t until college and finding my own therapist at the time, did I realize how important it was to have an authentic support system to provide the validation and encouragement needed to get through many hardships. I wanted to pay it forward and be a supportive person to youth needing that kind of space for self-care and hope. 

What is an average day for you at The Jewish Board?

Typically, I provide counseling services to adolescents and teens every day in both a school and outpatient setting. I also provide supervision to clinicians and case managers to help them navigate their own work with clients and processing challenges experienced in their sessions.

What is your favorite part of the work you do?

I enjoy providing a supportive space for my young clients to have their experiences, stressors, and beliefs taken seriously.

What of The Jewish Board’s core values resonates with you the most?

Treating Every Person with Dignity resonates most for me. I think it’s important in the therapeutic relationship to respect people as they are in therapy and have that respect facilitate their growth in session.

You spend so much time caring for others; what’s one way you practice self-care?

Practicing strong boundaries and balance between my personal and work life – and making sure I have time for my friends and family.

What’s the last song you listened to?

Make It Better by Anderson .Paak