Hi, my name is Nicole “Niki” Ballas. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New York with 27+ years of professional work experience. I have extensive experience working with a broad range of mental health issues. I have worked as a primary therapist and managed an Inpatient Psychiatry Unit for over 20 years. I have worked with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, substance use and family conflicts. My counseling style is warm, empathetic and nonjudgmental. I believe that building a strong rapport through trust, genuine listening, compassion, empathy and humor is key to a successful therapist/client relationship. It is important to me that my clients feel heard and validated. My treatment approach is client centered, solutions focused and strength based. Together we can establish goals and my role will be to help empower you to reach your goals. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!