“The goal is not to be free of difficult feelings. The goal is to be free in the presence of them.” — Alanis Morissette
I am passionate about helping people navigate the complexity of being human. My approach is grounded in a “come as you are” philosophy, rooted in the belief that being human is inherently challenging, and everyone deserves a space to put things down. Whether working with adults, children, or families, my goal is to create a space where people can slow down, sit with their emotions, practice self-compassion, and feel safe being themselves.
Our work is collaborative. Together, we explore what you or your child may be carrying and build on the strengths already present. My focus is on empowerment—helping individuals reconnect with their resilience and capacity to move through life’s highs and lows without pressure or expectation. For children especially, therapy can be a safe place to bring big feelings, make sense of them, and begin to put words to experiences that may feel confusing or overwhelming.
Much of my experience has been in high-acuity settings, supporting people through crisis and major life transitions. These experiences have reinforced my belief that people are often stronger than they realize. In our work together, we tap into that strength while creating space to experience the full range of the human experience.

Qualifications

Nicole Swiecka is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The George Washington University, with minors in Biology and Human Anatomy, and her Master of Social Work from New York University Silver School of Social Work.
Early in her career, Nicole worked as an Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA) with children on the autism spectrum. She has since had experience in outpatient programs including PROS and IOP. Most extensively, she has spent seven years in inpatient psychiatry at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health. She currently serves as a Psychiatric Evaluator in the hospital’s Evaluation Center, partnering with incoming patients and their support systems to develop thorough assessments, collaborative diagnoses, and individualized treatment plans.

My Toolbox