NICOLE BARQUIST (She/Her)

My graduate work led me to focus on paraphilic disorders. Through my research I have discovered how issues like isolation, depression and suicide can plague these populations who may be trying to abstain from their behaviors. For those who want to embrace their kinks, if they are not harmful to others, I am fully affirming of this as well.

I have extensive experience working with trauma in many forms and often center my practice around a trauma informed approach. I believe that trauma is often the underlying cause for many diagnosis including depression to borderline personality disorder, and in treating the trauma we can begin to treat the symptoms of these disorders.

Through my work with both children and adults, I have gained a profound sense of compassion for persons who are suffering or have suffered from sexual abuse. I understand that often this type of abuse can completely alter a person's life and it takes a great deal of time and patience to heal.

Having the expansive modality of art can be a healing experience, but it can also be very difficult. It is important the client is aware that sometimes creating art in regards to experience can be hard work, and sometimes may even feel burdensome. It is important that we safely sit with these uncomfortable feelings in order make lasting change. I strive to be forthcoming and transparent regarding treatment and psychoeducation which I feel is necessary for progress.

I have an MA in Mental Health Counseling with an Art Therapy specialization from Antioch University in Seattle. Both my undergraduate and graduate degrees have a focus on social justice which is of great importance to me in my practice and personal life. It is imperative through my practice that I am able to see the client as a whole being who resides in a culture and systems within that culture which either work to oppress or privilege their experience.

Holistic therapy is important to my practice as it validates the client as a 'whole' person. Often times getting a diagnosis can help us better understand our emotions and behaviors, however I find it important that the client know that they are more than their diagnosis. Humans are complex beings with a network of relationships, emotions and feelings and valuing all of the intricacies of human behavior is imperative to understanding the client as a whole.