Nicole Meyer Klarich, LCPC

Founder, CEO & Psychotherapist, LCPC

I’m often asked, since it was not my first career, “How did you become a Therapist?” Two decades ago, as a Project Manager working with a creative team, the work I truly enjoyed was when someone would come into my office, looking for guidance and support. Computers off, connecting with the person in front of me, at times searching for solutions, other times, simply being there. Not so long after, I forged ahead to leave the past work I liked, to begin a career in the counseling field, that I love. Spanning the last 20+ years, I have worked in Community Counseling, Psychosocial Rehabilitation with adults and children, in clinics, hospitals, group homes, Corporate Wellness in Employee Assistance, and Research for Obesity and Disease Prevention at Northwestern University Medical School. Since 2005, I’ve been running the Behavioral Health Group Practice I founded, providing psychotherapy to adults, couples, and families. Armed with the belief that no matter where you are at in your “process,” we have the ability to make a difference. I’ve challenged myself to do that, throughout my life. I’ve built a practice that is rewarding and has made a difference to many. The grateful testimonials and follow-up years down the road from practice-wide clients have served to inspire and reinforce the good work we do. 

I’ve always been fascinated by what motivates humans to do what they do or not do and that search for meaning and the curiosity of human behavior makes what I do for a living, a mission, not a job. In truth, it’s never felt like a job-that is, working with clients. What I love about my field is that I don’t have to (or want to) retire-I can work alongside my clients until my mind no longer works-and I intend to. I have had the privilege of working with many clients over a decade; they generally don’t sit on my couch for years-they come in, as you would to your primary care doctor when there is a concern, and come back as needed and often again, later in life. Alternatively, clients come in proactively, as preventative care is part of their wellness initiative. I firmly believe that therapy, partnered with other health-promoting activities, encourages optimal well-being and can help identify the missing pieces that may be overlooked and getting in your way.

Mostly, I work with adults and couples regarding their relationships. Relationship with self, partner, mother, father, child, other. Depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, might be the label or symptom people come in with—but it is always relational work. Helping clients do better and be better in relationships is a passion. I also work with couples divorcing and offer invaluable mediation: this cannot be underestimated or overlooked as, it often can set a healthier tone for your post-divorce journey, especially if children are involved. This is a service couples should strongly consider before engaging attorneys; many clients have thanked me years down the road for the wise counsel and their families are better off for this early intervention to reduce high conflict, which is the biggest predictor for children’s maladjustment post-divorce. Post 2020, we are now exclusively offering telehealth and for established clients, walking therapy as schedules and logistics permit. Notably, I have the ability to connect and to get to the heart of the matter quickly, which makes telehealth a viable and attractive service.

I do not underestimate the deeply entrenched patterns or habits that often arise from difficult circumstances or the influence of biology. I have considerable empathy and compassion for the hardships that people endure-however, they tend to be part of the human condition, and learning how to lead from a healthier state is our call to action. Everyone’s needs are different and I’ll meet you where you’re at, however, my pace is typically geared at helping you meet your goals and working towards the outcome, rather than continuing to watch clients suffer needlessly–and helping you gain the insight that this is a choice, however out-of-control you may feel. Many years of experience lends itself to working more efficiently, using a realistic, normalizing lens that can help you function more optimally. Assisting clients in identifying short and long-term goals is a strength.

I have always been excited to learn about people, their culture, values, and history, and what influences their worldview. My passion for travel has helped me understand people from many other cultures across the globe. It never ceases to amaze me, when you open up your heart and mind to another person, regardless of color, race, or religion, and pay attention…to context, history, stories, the source of love and pain and perhaps, most fascinating – what makes a person smile-you get to the heart and soul of connection, fast. My international exposure and curious mind create an open and safe space for a diverse range of clients.

It cannot go without saying that I’m a proud Mom of two teenagers-a girl and a boy, who are simply, great. Insert: humble smile. Raising them to be loving, giving, solid individuals who enjoy, contribute, and create meaningful lives is one of my greatest honors. They are interested and interesting teachers and brilliant reminders of how to be creative, find and make joy, look to our strengths, and find grace to accept our limitations. It has been an awe-inspiring [unintended ! social experiment] to witness their personalities, as different and similar and watch their development and observe what seems to be innate versus learned. They have taught me more about human behavior than any book I could read. Naturally, I can lend years of experience as a parent to clients who face a range of parenting joys and challenges. I enjoy working with parents and my clients find me highly relatable.

Modern love, dating, marriage, and families have become more open to possibility and by extension, more vulnerable to all the competing factors. The simple reality that people can and do divorce has led to changes in the family/society that require attention, if we are going to do better for all. The world I want all kids, including my own, to grow up and thrive in, is a world that learns from what doesn’t work and more importantly, what does.

I have had the rewarding experience of seeing countless people revive their relationships, do better and make significant progress. If you are open to looking at your patterns, strengths, and limitations, and “doing something different,” this tends to lead to evolving as a more giving, equitable partner. Too often, people come to therapy with a long history of negative patterns that may seem impossible to unwind. It is possible to rebuild from this state, however, at times, it’s necessary to discern if staying together is feasible. I am pro-relationship and pro-marriage for all people; relationships are vital to our fulfillment. Yet, I am not pro-misery for inordinate periods and to discern if a relationship should be salvaged is one that can and sometimes, needs to be explored in therapy.

I’ve had advanced training with many Master Therapist’s, in our field and have had the distinct pleasure of learning in smaller, intimate places private homes, and less formal arenas, which has invigorated my practice. I regularly consume information on topics ranging from behavioral economics, motivation, sociology, attachment theory, financial solvency, health psychology, nutrition, neuroscience, human and animal behavior, and now how social media and AI is influencing our interactions. These topics are intricately relevant to developing better relational lives and I creatively draw from this diverse knowledge base.

Notably, in 2017, I had an incredible experience trekking with families of gorillas in Rwanda-an unforgettable journey into a soulful country. The gorillas were awe-inspiring, as were the Rwandans. A place and people, not-so-long ago touched by horrific tragedy, yet still, there was a remarkable presence of resilience and rebuilding. This experience, along with others, has given me great perspective and supports my long-standing belief that we can tap into our innate capacity to thrive, not merely survive, despite what challenges we have endured.

Focusing on relationships, forging connections and inspiring people (of all ages) to live more meaningful, loving, connected lives has been my life work. Therapy can be a powerful, transformative experience. Having someone in your corner to be your fierce supporter and challenger can make all the difference. Compassion, empathy, competence, humor, creativity, and experience is what you’ll find with me. Most people I work with are looking to be inspired to do something different and gain more connection and intimacy in sustainable, meaningful relationships. I believe that is possible and welcome the opportunity to work with you.

I appreciate your time in reading my story.

Warmth & Light,
Nicole