My name is Nikki (Nakisha) Hughs. I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with over 15 years of experience. I have worked with a variety of clientele in various environments. I believe this has allowed me the ability to provide the best possible care for my clients. A little about me, I grew up in the PNW, love the outdoors to specifically include anything water or mountains. In the spring and summer months, you will find me kayaking, jet skiing, white water river rafting, hiking and backpacking. The winter months, I enjoy hiking and snowshoeing. My ultimate passion and future goal include international traveling and possibly settling on a beach but continuing to practice telehealth. I am so glad you are here and have decided to embrace this journey together. 

Helping a client regulate thoughts, beliefs and behaviors; having clients journaling the logs helps to understand patterns and behaviors where they can intervene and change. This ultimately allows the client understanding and autonomy to change their lifestyle. 

Understanding not everyone responds the same and meeting the client where they are at. 

I have always loved being the listener for others and helping. I started out as a preschool teacher. I am motivated by witnessing others live the life the were meant to live with joy and happiness. 

DBT is one of my favorite modalities coupled with CBT; they work great. As a client, learning how to manage emotional regulation, distress tolerance, increase mindfulness skills, and interpersonal relationships can make your world much more manageable. 

Referral for psychiatric medication if necessary, using empathy, compassion and CBT approach. 

We recognize this can be a very scary and uncomfortable situation, I try to be warm,  genuine and patience. 

I am down to Earth, authentic, warm and genuine. I find the ability to connect very easy. 

Patience, empathy, using effective grounding, and understanding not everyone is the same - caretaking each client’s personal experience. 

To allow for clients to feel unstuck in life. I always use the analogy of an onion, you have to peel back layers to get to core issues which really are driving force to a life filled with distress. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy   is when you can learn how to sit in your emotions without needing to do something about the feelings.  

Patience, empathetic, and understanding 

A great read is “The Body Keeps the Score.” Our bodies carry trauma and we have three systems that become triggered when the fight/fight/freeze is activated. Recognizing ways to calm your own psychological responses is a game changer! 

I accept telehealth sessions. 

Building rapport and working wish me to walk through your life with you;  can really feel empowering and peace. Trauma becomes like the chains that are shackled to your feet almost feeling debilitating, giving you unhappiness, uncertainty and fear for your life. I want to help you through your journey. 

Helping to provide coping skills, increase hobbies, activities, using mindfulness techniques to help lower stress and increase internal soothing.