Univera Therapists in Cheektowaga, NY
Healing from adversity can feel scary, unfamiliar, and daunting. In my therapy practice, I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive space for individuals to heal and grow. Oftentimes, when we experience trauma and other life changes, we develop coping skills that aid in our survival, but that may presently pose barriers. In embarking on this journey to healing and breaking difficult patterns, we can work together to help you develop self-compassion, improve relationships, and transform your pain into power.
Healing from adversity can feel scary, unfamiliar, and daunting. In my therapy practice, I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive space for individuals to heal and grow. Oftentimes, when we experience trauma and other life changes, we develop coping skills that aid in our survival, but that may presently pose barriers. In embarking on this journey to healing and breaking difficult patterns, we can work together to help you develop self-compassion, improve relationships, and transform your pain into power.
Sometimes life can leave you feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, overwhelming emotions, and difficult life transitions. In therapy, we’ll work together to understand what’s keeping you stuck, build effective coping skills, and create change that feels sustainable.
Sometimes life can leave you feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, overwhelming emotions, and difficult life transitions. In therapy, we’ll work together to understand what’s keeping you stuck, build effective coping skills, and create change that feels sustainable.
Life can be challenging, often at the most inopportune times. Anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship struggles, or significant stress; it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Counseling offers a space to slow down, reflect, and work through what’s holding you back with someone who’s there to support and guide you. Together, we’ll explore what’s going on beneath the surface and build the tools you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Life can be challenging, often at the most inopportune times. Anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship struggles, or significant stress; it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Counseling offers a space to slow down, reflect, and work through what’s holding you back with someone who’s there to support and guide you. Together, we’ll explore what’s going on beneath the surface and build the tools you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Making the choice to seek help can be extremely challenging and anxiety producing. Over the past 30 years, I have been committed and dedicated to helping individuals find positive ways to cope with a variety of stressors. We each experience life a little differently, and something that seems easy to handle for one person may be so difficult for another. Building a relationship is critical along with empowering you to dictate the areas that are most important for your growth and wellness. I strive to develop a nonjudgmental environment to help you best articulate how you are truly feeling.
Making the choice to seek help can be extremely challenging and anxiety producing. Over the past 30 years, I have been committed and dedicated to helping individuals find positive ways to cope with a variety of stressors. We each experience life a little differently, and something that seems easy to handle for one person may be so difficult for another. Building a relationship is critical along with empowering you to dictate the areas that are most important for your growth and wellness. I strive to develop a nonjudgmental environment to help you best articulate how you are truly feeling.
Hi! My name is Lauren and I am a Mental Health Counselor. My goal is to assist you in getting you where you want to be in life. You and I will create a partnership to figure out the best way forward together. I firmly believe you are the driving force in your journey, but sometimes we can use some help. Working together, I can help you navigate intense emotions and behaviors. If you’re tired of feeling out of control with your thoughts and emotions, want to improve your self-care by focusing on your mental health, or are just feeling emotionally drained, let’s meet up and create a plan together!
Hi! My name is Lauren and I am a Mental Health Counselor. My goal is to assist you in getting you where you want to be in life. You and I will create a partnership to figure out the best way forward together. I firmly believe you are the driving force in your journey, but sometimes we can use some help. Working together, I can help you navigate intense emotions and behaviors. If you’re tired of feeling out of control with your thoughts and emotions, want to improve your self-care by focusing on your mental health, or are just feeling emotionally drained, let’s meet up and create a plan together!
Nikkia Spencer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you are new here or this isn't your first time around, the hardest part is always getting started and finding a therapist who is the right fit. I do my best to offer an accepting, empathetic, honest, and collaborative partnership- usually paired with a level of humor and humility. We owe it to ourselves to have a safe space to process life events and our natural range of emotions.
Whether you are new here or this isn't your first time around, the hardest part is always getting started and finding a therapist who is the right fit. I do my best to offer an accepting, empathetic, honest, and collaborative partnership- usually paired with a level of humor and humility. We owe it to ourselves to have a safe space to process life events and our natural range of emotions.
Clear Your Mind Mental Health Counseling Services
Pre-Licensed Professional, MHC-LP
Cheektowaga, NY 14215
I believe that therapy is a collaborative partnership, and I am committed to a client-centered approach that involves you in every step of your healing journey. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard, validated, and understood—a place where we can explore, dive deeper, and work towards your personal growth. I know that taking the first step into therapy can feel daunting, so I focus on making that transition as comfortable, accessible, and welcoming as possible.
I believe that therapy is a collaborative partnership, and I am committed to a client-centered approach that involves you in every step of your healing journey. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard, validated, and understood—a place where we can explore, dive deeper, and work towards your personal growth. I know that taking the first step into therapy can feel daunting, so I focus on making that transition as comfortable, accessible, and welcoming as possible.
Have you ever felt like your mind knows you’re safe, but your body hasn't received the message yet? True, lasting change happens when we move beyond just talking and begin to listen to the language of your nervous system.
As an EMDR Consultant, I’ve seen how traditional talk therapy can sometimes feel like running in circles. You might understand why you feel the way you do, but the heavy weight of the past still feels physically present. My approach is different: I integrate EMDR and Natural Processing to help you gently bridge that gap between your thoughts and your physical sense of peace.
Have you ever felt like your mind knows you’re safe, but your body hasn't received the message yet? True, lasting change happens when we move beyond just talking and begin to listen to the language of your nervous system.
As an EMDR Consultant, I’ve seen how traditional talk therapy can sometimes feel like running in circles. You might understand why you feel the way you do, but the heavy weight of the past still feels physically present. My approach is different: I integrate EMDR and Natural Processing to help you gently bridge that gap between your thoughts and your physical sense of peace.
Hello, My name is Nicole Mcilwain, a compassionate Licensed Mental Health Therapist,
entrepreneur and CEO dedicated to providing quality mental health care to individuals in diverse communities who struggle with berries that trigger mental health illnesses.I have worked in the field of human services/ mental health for over 15 yrs. Being raised in the lower east side of Buffalo New York I have faced many obstacles, and trauma however I overcame many adversities. Which has given me the desire to ensure individuals who struggle with mental health receive the necessary care..
Hello, My name is Nicole Mcilwain, a compassionate Licensed Mental Health Therapist,
entrepreneur and CEO dedicated to providing quality mental health care to individuals in diverse communities who struggle with berries that trigger mental health illnesses.I have worked in the field of human services/ mental health for over 15 yrs. Being raised in the lower east side of Buffalo New York I have faced many obstacles, and trauma however I overcame many adversities. Which has given me the desire to ensure individuals who struggle with mental health receive the necessary care..
I believe in the power of strength through connections and am guided by empathy, authenticity, inclusivity, and collaboration. There is no greater privilege than helping someone learn and implement strategies to lead a healthier life. Whether it is a child, an individual considering parenthood, a pregnant person, or an already parent, I believe it is essential for everyone to have a set of tools to help cope and understand oneself and the world around them. I am committed to evidence-based work that promotes healing, resilience, and lasting well-being.
I believe in the power of strength through connections and am guided by empathy, authenticity, inclusivity, and collaboration. There is no greater privilege than helping someone learn and implement strategies to lead a healthier life. Whether it is a child, an individual considering parenthood, a pregnant person, or an already parent, I believe it is essential for everyone to have a set of tools to help cope and understand oneself and the world around them. I am committed to evidence-based work that promotes healing, resilience, and lasting well-being.
I have worked in the human services field for over 20 years and have been a licensed social worker since 2010. Throughout that time, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds as they navigate a wide range of life challenges. Many of the individuals I have worked with have experienced traumas that have led to struggles with either their emotional/mental well being and/or substance use. I deeply believe that regardless of the struggles people experience, everyone is capable of being a better version of themself and building a quality of life that gives them meaning and purpose.
I have worked in the human services field for over 20 years and have been a licensed social worker since 2010. Throughout that time, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds as they navigate a wide range of life challenges. Many of the individuals I have worked with have experienced traumas that have led to struggles with either their emotional/mental well being and/or substance use. I deeply believe that regardless of the struggles people experience, everyone is capable of being a better version of themself and building a quality of life that gives them meaning and purpose.
Life can be incredibly hard at times, and it takes courage to reach out for help. I believe in your capacity to heal and grow, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. My role is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Whether you’re facing a loss, struggling with depression or anxiety, or navigating changes in your family, relationships, or career, I’ll work with you to help you meet your goals and build the life you deserve.
Life can be incredibly hard at times, and it takes courage to reach out for help. I believe in your capacity to heal and grow, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. My role is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Whether you’re facing a loss, struggling with depression or anxiety, or navigating changes in your family, relationships, or career, I’ll work with you to help you meet your goals and build the life you deserve.
Sometimes life takes you on a journey that you did not sign up for. Picture this, you make the perfect itinerary and plan for your perfect vacation. Everything you want to do you were able to schedule. Then, you show up at the airport and find out you missed your flight. What do you do now?
Sometimes life takes you on a journey that you did not sign up for. Picture this, you make the perfect itinerary and plan for your perfect vacation. Everything you want to do you were able to schedule. Then, you show up at the airport and find out you missed your flight. What do you do now?
Life is stressful and distracting enough without putting others needs above your own. But that’s what we tend to do! As a result we are left feeling drained. Relationships are complicated – whether it be with yourself or others. Throughout our lifetime relationships are often the most neglected and yet one of the most important. It is through the relationship with yourself and others that personal growth and change develops. This requires looking inward to discover what you need, want, and desire.
Life is stressful and distracting enough without putting others needs above your own. But that’s what we tend to do! As a result we are left feeling drained. Relationships are complicated – whether it be with yourself or others. Throughout our lifetime relationships are often the most neglected and yet one of the most important. It is through the relationship with yourself and others that personal growth and change develops. This requires looking inward to discover what you need, want, and desire.
— Immediate Openings Available! —
I work with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and feelings of disconnection or low self-worth. Many feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them or overwhelmed by life’s demands and relationships. They may be seeking relief from emotional pain, clarity in their identity, or a deeper understanding of how their past and environment shape their present.
— Immediate Openings Available! —
I work with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and feelings of disconnection or low self-worth. Many feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them or overwhelmed by life’s demands and relationships. They may be seeking relief from emotional pain, clarity in their identity, or a deeper understanding of how their past and environment shape their present.
I know that taking the first step toward focusing on yourself can feel overwhelming — and even a little scary. But you don't have to figure it out alone. I am here to offer a warm, comfortable, and compassionate space where you can slow down, be heard, and begin to heal. My approach is rooted in partnership — I won't simply sit across from you and offer advice, but rather walk alongside you every step of the way, at a pace that feels right for you.
I know that taking the first step toward focusing on yourself can feel overwhelming — and even a little scary. But you don't have to figure it out alone. I am here to offer a warm, comfortable, and compassionate space where you can slow down, be heard, and begin to heal. My approach is rooted in partnership — I won't simply sit across from you and offer advice, but rather walk alongside you every step of the way, at a pace that feels right for you.
Are you ready to take back control of your life? Don't be shy. Although I work predominantly with children and adolescents, I truly have a passion for working with anyone who is ready to gain control back. I have worked with clients who have suffered from a variety of mental health and substance use issues. In addition, I have worked with client who are struggling with finances, grief and loss, chronic medical concerns, and relationship stressors. My goal is offer support, teach skills, and work towards achieving their identified goals.
Are you ready to take back control of your life? Don't be shy. Although I work predominantly with children and adolescents, I truly have a passion for working with anyone who is ready to gain control back. I have worked with clients who have suffered from a variety of mental health and substance use issues. In addition, I have worked with client who are struggling with finances, grief and loss, chronic medical concerns, and relationship stressors. My goal is offer support, teach skills, and work towards achieving their identified goals.
Therapy is not just about talking; it’s about connecting with the words you are saying to help facilitate growth and change within. I am here to be with you on this journey of learning how to identify, process and express all your emotions. From happiness and joy to the uncomfortableness of anxiety and depression -and everything in between! For many people, trauma has caused ways of surviving that might not be helpful for us anymore, leaving us with intense and confusing emotions. This may lead to difficulty and struggle in all areas of life. We will work to create a place of safety to go on this healing journey together.
Therapy is not just about talking; it’s about connecting with the words you are saying to help facilitate growth and change within. I am here to be with you on this journey of learning how to identify, process and express all your emotions. From happiness and joy to the uncomfortableness of anxiety and depression -and everything in between! For many people, trauma has caused ways of surviving that might not be helpful for us anymore, leaving us with intense and confusing emotions. This may lead to difficulty and struggle in all areas of life. We will work to create a place of safety to go on this healing journey together.
Accepting Univera, Aetna, Fidelis (out of network), and cash.
Each client presents with their own unique set of needs and challenges relative to the environments they were raised in. What many identify as disorders or dysfunction I view as necessary adaptations to environmental stressors. Within the context of that thinking people need to be able to function and manage their lives in a way that provides space for healing, happiness and love. I believe that what people desire most is to be seen, to live autonomously with self determination, and to feel connected to something greater than themselves, be it a cause, a community, an organization or God.
Accepting Univera, Aetna, Fidelis (out of network), and cash.
Each client presents with their own unique set of needs and challenges relative to the environments they were raised in. What many identify as disorders or dysfunction I view as necessary adaptations to environmental stressors. Within the context of that thinking people need to be able to function and manage their lives in a way that provides space for healing, happiness and love. I believe that what people desire most is to be seen, to live autonomously with self determination, and to feel connected to something greater than themselves, be it a cause, a community, an organization or God.
I am in-network for Highmark, Univera, and Cigna.
I am a trauma therapist practicing in the Buffalo, NY area. I have been providing treatment in the mental health and substance use recovery field for the past decade.
I am in-network for Highmark, Univera, and Cigna.
I am a trauma therapist practicing in the Buffalo, NY area. I have been providing treatment in the mental health and substance use recovery field for the past decade.
