Nicole Phelan , LCSW

Nicole Phelan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in central Maine. With nine years of clinical experience, she has worked with people facing depression, anxiety, parenting and family challenges, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, post-traumatic stress, attachment struggles, ADHD, and the impacts of physical, sexual, or emotional trauma. Her practice also addresses concerns related to relationships, self-esteem, eating issues, bipolar disorder, anger, and life transitions, and she has supported individuals through complex family dynamics and grief.

Nicole brings lived experience and perspective from eight years in the Army Reserve, including a tour of duty in Iraq in 2003-2004, and she welcomes active service members and military veterans. Her therapeutic manner is warm yet direct and emphasizes interactive collaboration. She approaches each person with respect, dignity, and compassion, and she often incorporates nature-based activities as a complementary way to build self-esteem, strengthen coping skills, and process difficult experiences. Nicole encourages courage in seeking a more fulfilling life and supports clients as they take initial steps toward change, offering practical guidance and empowerment along the way.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Nicole integrates several evidence-informed approaches to help people navigate emotional challenges and life changes. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping clients clarify their values, accept difficult emotions, and take committed steps toward meaningful goals - it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Attachment-Based Therapy explores early relational patterns and their influence on current relationships, supporting healing around trust, intimacy, and family dynamics. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical strategies to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it effective for anxiety, mood concerns, and coping with daily stressors.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Nicole works with each person to understand their needs, goals, and preferences, and she tailors techniques so the chosen methods fit the individual rather than applying a one-size-fits-all plan. Clients are invited to provide feedback and help shape the direction of care.

Online therapy with Nicole is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals while accommodating work, family, and geographic constraints.