Nikita Tavares, LPCC
I offer a warm, nonjudgmental, and calming space so you can begin to safely explore your story and the many parts that make up your unique self. The 13-century poet Rumi wrote, “These pains you feel are messengers. Listen to them.” I am guided by the understanding that deep within each of us, there is wisdom waiting to be nourished and heard.
My approach integrates Parts Work / Internal Family Systems (IFS), relational psychodynamic theory, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. In practice, this integrative approach fosters healing through getting to know parts of one’s inner psyche, developing flexible and compassionate inner dialogue, building mindfulness practices, understanding coping and protective response mechanisms that helped you get through life, and strengthening conscious awareness of the mind-body connection. For those wanting to heal from trauma symptoms like flashbacks, strong emotional and physical responses to certain memories, images, reminders, or automatic response patterns like shutting down, people pleasing etc., EMDR is a wonderful tool that we can utilize in therapy.
Populations and clinical specialties/interests: I work with adults (18+) from all backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, ND folx, and those in poly or ENM relationship structures. I specialize in long-term, depth-oriented therapy for individuals navigating trauma, disconnection, identity, and existential concerns. I have experience supporting people with attachment wounding and trauma, emotional neglect/ healing from emotionally distant parents, low self-worth or self-trust, difficulty feeling connected with oneself or others, navigating neurodivergence, anxiety, panic, depression, and addictions. I enjoy supporting folx who are on their journey with deconstructing from oppressive organized religions as well those in process of connecting with their cultural/ancestral roots. I am also passionate about supporting clients in healing from the ongoing impacts of colonization and intergenerational trauma.
Immigrant/international lens: As an immigrant in the US (born and raised in Goa, India), I’ve learned about the upsides and downsides of both collectivistic and individualistic cultures. Walking the path of two cultures is never easy and at the same time, it affords us the opportunity to learn more about ourselves. If you’re an international student, immigrant, non-citizen, or on a non-immigrant visa (e.g., H-1B), I understand the unique challenges that come with these experiences/ circumstances and will integrate that understanding into our work.
About me: I hold a master’s degree in Integrated Behavioral Health and a bachelor’s degree in Child and Developmental Psychology, with a minor in Neuroscience. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked in academia at the University of Minnesota as a research assistant and project coordinator. My experiences spanned child development, depression treatment, and brain MRI research. My curiosity about the human brain and nervous system drives me to continuously learn, grow, and evolve my therapy practice. Outside of being a therapist, I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my kitties. I value time on my own as well and I am energized by sewing, knitting, playing musical instruments, reading, writing, and gaming. I also foster cats! I appreciate you taking the time to get to know me as a therapist and person.
If anything in here resonates with you, please reach out to schedule a consult to see if we might be a good fit!
Accepted Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Medica, United Healthcare, Medicaid. Out of network cost per session is $200 (Intake- $250) and if requested, I provide superbills that can be submitted to your insurance to go towards your out of network deductible. Reach out to discuss sliding scale options.