Nicole McHugh, LPC

Nicole McHugh is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 14 years of experience providing care across the lifespan, from adolescence through the later stages of life, and with people who are neurotypical as well as those who are neurodivergent.

She adapts her therapeutic style to align with each client’s personality and presenting concerns, combining structured techniques with a flexible, client-centered stance. Her practice draws on several evidence-based models, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy - the Linehan model for emotion regulation and interpersonal skills - motivational interviewing to support ambivalence and change, harm reduction for safer decision making, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to develop meaningful action guided by personal values, and Exposure Response Prevention for anxiety and compulsive behaviors.

In addition to talk-based methods, Nicole is a Registered Art Therapist who integrates creative processes into therapy to expand ways of exploring challenges and discovering solutions. This blend of structured skill-building and creative exploration aims to meet people where they are and help them develop practical tools for coping, connection, and long-term growth.

Evidence-Based Approaches Delivered Remotely

Nicole McHugh draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teach concrete skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness - approaches that help when strong emotions or relationship challenges interfere with daily life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is used to clarify values and encourage committed action, which supports progress when avoidance or rumination are barriers. Exposure Response Prevention is applied for anxiety and compulsive behaviors, guiding gradual, supported practice to reduce avoidance and compulsive responses.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Nicole works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts strategies over time so therapy remains practical and relevant.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to access care from different locations. These formats offer flexibility for scheduling, allow continuity when in-person meetings are difficult, and give clients choices in how they communicate with licensed professionals and therapists.