Dr. Nikia Edwards, LPC, CSAC, NCC
The Therapist Plug
Clinical Director | Founder | Owner
One of my life’s passions is helping people to become the best versions of themselves by acknowledging and activating their freedom to choose, to move, and to create. I enjoy gently challenging others to go deeper and further beyond their present self. I believe that you are the most experienced and the expert on you! I empathically seek to understand you, your relationship needs, desires, and preferences, and your journey. Asking questions, directing your attention to your areas of need, and providing the appropriate tools for your growth and to transcend life challenges are just some of the strategies employed, so that you can embrace your most authentic intimate self. Let’s figure this out together!
My style can be described as direct, relational, and humorous. I approach the therapeutic partnership from a wholistic perspective with authenticity; and I model the same throughout your journey. My goal as your therapeutic partner is to provide a safe, comfortable neutral setting that allows you to explore and discover your whole self and the relationship with those connected to you. I value the uniqueness of each person, each couple, and each family which drives how I deliver treatment and services. My wholistic approach to service delivery is integrative infusing a variety of therapies and approaches. I use interventions and techniques from the strength-based approach, Emotion Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, insight-oriented therapy, mindfulness, person-centered approach, Motivational Interviewing, Intrapersonal Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. I observe and practice honesty and vulnerability with high regard. The same is expected from you as we explore your lived experiences, strengths, values, and emotional self. We will set realistic and achievable goals that make sense for you.
My areas of clinical and special interest include assistance with navigating dating and modern love, stress and anxiety management, substance abuse psychosocial education and recovery, pre-marital counseling, communication enhancement, and identity development for self, marriage, family and relationship.
After completing my undergraduate degree in psychology at The University of Connecticut, I shifted gears toward the counseling profession and attended Southern Connecticut State University where I earned a Master of Science degree in counseling. My desire for knowledge guided me through my doctoral program at Capella University, where I earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in counselor education and supervision. To strengthen my skills, I completed all training and residency requirements for licensure and certification. I am currently licensed in Virginia to practice as a professional counselor and nationally certified as a counselor. I am certified in Virginia to practice as a substance abuse counselor.
When I am not serving others, I enjoy traveling, a good read, skydiving, gaining knowledge, playing scrabble, planning gatherings with family and friends, bowling, and learning to line dance. My current bucket list includes exploring more countries on the African continent, learning to: jet ski, scuba dive, crotchet, and relearning to sew.