About Me
My name is Nicholas Ireland (he/him/his) and I am a Licensed Social Worker Associate Independent Clinical (LSWAIC) in the state of Washington. I am supervised by Sarah Matthews, LICSW.
Areas of Work:
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ADHD
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OCD & Anxiety
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Cult Recovery/Religious Trauma
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Neurodivergence
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Anxiety Disorders
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LGBTQ+ Identity Exploration
Background
My passion for supporting individuals on their journeys toward self-compassion, healing, and reclaiming their lives stems from my own experiences. Growing up as a neurodivergent, queer teenager in a strict religious environment near Ann Arbor, Michigan, instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a desire to create a safe and affirming space for all. This desire, coupled with a lifelong fascination with the complexities of human behavior, led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience. This background informs my neuroscience-informed approach to therapy, approaching the behaviors that do not serve you with compassion and understanding. Brains are plastic, and therapy has been shown to have the power to change brain structures!
Before completing my Master of Social Work (MSW), I gained extensive experience working with diverse populations through community mental health organizations, schools, and medical settings. From individuals struggling with anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and LGBTQ+ identity exploration, to those facing chronic illness, such as HIV, and developmental disabilities, I've strived to meet every person with cultural humility and inclusivity. I work with children (8+), adolescents, and adults.
When I'm not working, you can find me hanging out with my feline companions, conquering quests in the latest (and retro) Nintendo games, exploring nature on a hike, getting lost in a good book, strategizing with friends over board games, or unwinding with a movie night.
Working with Me
Therapy can feel vulnerable in many ways. From this wholehearted understanding, I aim to provide a genuine sense of safety, support, and trust through validation, understanding, and non judgment. I believe in meeting you where you are at and empowering you to navigate challenges with strength, humor, and self-acceptance, reacquainting and cultivating your innate sense of self-love and well-being.
Together, we'll embark on a collaborative journey built on evidence-based practices such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I practice from an anti-oppressive, feminist, social justice, anti-diet, Health at Every Size® (HAES), Intuitive Eating-aligned framework, believing self-acceptance and respect are crucial for healing.