Desiree Nitka, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

There is no greater honor than to walk down a path of healing and recovery, with individuals, to become their most authentic selves and live a life of fulfillment and freedom. For therapy to be beneficial, it is essential to have a therapeutic relationship, which fosters a safe space where you may come as you are and feel accepted and seen without judgment. The traumas I experienced in early childhood led to issues with anxiety and an overly active “fight or flight response” to, seemingly, minor conflicts or challenges. It felt that my overly active nervous system was running my life and I was just along for the ride. I, too, have discovered the healing effects of therapy and know it can aid in regaining the life you were meant to live. It is amazing to witness the transition that can occur when collaborating with an empathetic therapist, who works alongside you to find limiting beliefs and blocks that, once identified, can help you re-write your story. 

Through therapy, we are able to develop invaluable skills, such as assertiveness, mindfulness, meditation, initiating and maintaining boundaries, and so much more. These skills will help us develop a strong relationship with ourselves, leading to strong relationships with our loved ones. Our thoughts and inner dialogue, or narrative, are so powerful that they can truly create our reality. It is important to be a curious observer, with your own inner experience, and pay attention to these whispers, which we may be so accustomed to hearing in the background. Often, we are not identifying these automatic thoughts and recognizing the role that they play in our mental health.

I believe we have an innate sense of wisdom, or inner knowing, that is embedded in each one of us, and with the help of a therapist, we can tap into this intuition, to live a more abundant and beautiful existence. Our life experiences and traumas can sometimes make it challenging to access this intrinsic inner strength, sense of peace, and self-love. Society, our family, or other important figures in our life, may unknowingly aid in this rejection of self, by telling us to shut down our emotions. I can help you find your inner strength while cultivating and regaining that innate knowing and the mind-body connection that is so important.

I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, a proven modality to be effective in creating permanent change and healing. It is so amazing to witness as clients become less charged by memories or traumas. It is important to consider our past, present, and future in the therapeutic process. I use a holistic and eclectic approach to therapy, where the focus is on the mind-body connection. I incorporate EMDR, somatic work, Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Talk Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, as well as Solution, Focused Therapy, in my work. I will meet you where you are and find what works best for you, to achieve your goals with compassion and care.  

What are three words that describe you?  Empathetic, Authentic, Accepting. 

My clients often tell me that they were nervous to begin therapy and didn’t know what to expect. They were pleasantly surprised by feeling comfortable and safe with me, right away. I consider myself to be an empath or HSP, and as a result, instinctively try to make others feel at ease, welcome, and comfortable. I believe the connection to others enriches our lives greatly. I love to build relationships with people of all backgrounds and upbringings.  After all, diversity is the spice of life! I love to experience new things, travel and learn. I enjoy yoga, kayaking, the great outdoors, music, and all animals. I find there is nothing more therapeutic for me than a walk in nature. I have lived in quite a few states in the last 8 years. I was born in Arizona, and within the past 8 years, I have lived in Maine, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Colorado, and now, Texas for two years. Change is always good. Change and growth can be painful at times, but you learn and your life becomes textured and colorful. 

I am beyond excited to be a part of the team, at Mindful Path Counseling and Wellness. I love working with passionate and empathetic therapists who treat clients in a holistic manner and focus on the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. 

If, after reading this, you feel like we may be a good fit, please reach out to set up an appointment. I so look forward to our partnership, and know this could be the beginning of a happier, and healthier, life!