- Anxiety and stress
- Relationship support
- Trauma informed
About Nikkia
Nikkia Matthews is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 11 years of clinical experience in Michigan. She focuses on common life struggles like anxiety, depression, stress, grief, addiction, and relationship or intimacy concerns. She also helps people with parenting strain, career transitions, ADHD, and identity questions related to LGBT issues.
Her background includes work with trauma, abuse, and attachment or abandonment wounds. Sessions combine practical skill building with emotional exploration. She uses tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, and client-centered work to tailor support to each person.
In session she takes a hands-on style that looks at everyday behaviors and thoughts. She helps clients practice new skills, test different responses, and build routines that reduce symptoms. The pace is collaborative and goal-focused, with space to talk about feelings and past hurts.
People who reach out can expect help sorting practical next steps alongside deeper healing. That may mean learning grounding and coping strategies for anxiety, mapping family patterns that affect current relationships, or addressing shame and self-esteem struggles. Her aim is steady progress rather than quick fixes.
She encourages people to start where they are and keep small, consistent steps toward change. The overall approach is supportive and active, blending emotion-focused work with techniques that change thinking and behavior.
Her background includes work with trauma, abuse, and attachment or abandonment wounds. Sessions combine practical skill building with emotional exploration. She uses tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, and client-centered work to tailor support to each person.
In session she takes a hands-on style that looks at everyday behaviors and thoughts. She helps clients practice new skills, test different responses, and build routines that reduce symptoms. The pace is collaborative and goal-focused, with space to talk about feelings and past hurts.
People who reach out can expect help sorting practical next steps alongside deeper healing. That may mean learning grounding and coping strategies for anxiety, mapping family patterns that affect current relationships, or addressing shame and self-esteem struggles. Her aim is steady progress rather than quick fixes.
She encourages people to start where they are and keep small, consistent steps toward change. The overall approach is supportive and active, blending emotion-focused work with techniques that change thinking and behavior.
Therapeutic Approaches and How They Work Online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages noticing unhelpful thoughts and choosing valued actions despite them. It can help with anxiety, depression, and life transitions by clarifying what matters and building small, consistent habits. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical strategies to change thinking patterns that feed distress. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on feelings and attachment needs to improve how people relate and respond in close relationships.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and the problems you bring, then try methods that fit. That process is collaborative and can shift over time as needs change.
If you plan to use online therapy, confirm current session options before booking since formats were not specified in the biography. Many people find online appointments easier to fit into a busy schedule, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, or remove travel time so sessions are more consistent. Online work can support the same practical skill practice, emotional processing, and relationship-focused work described above, with scheduling that aims to match everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
11+ years
Credentials
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting strain, career changes, ADHD, and trauma or abuse.
How would you describe her therapy style?
The approach is hands-on and collaborative. Sessions focus on skill building, emotional processing, and practical steps to change thoughts and behaviors.
What is her professional background?
She has 11 years of clinical experience supporting people through life adjustments, trauma recovery, and relationship concerns.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She holds an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and practices in Michigan.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients offered sessions?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.