Meet Nicole Vega, LSW (She/Her/Hers):

Hello! I’m a therapist at Olive Branch Therapy Group, and I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

My Therapy Specialties:

I specialize in working with individuals dealing with:

• Social anxiety, generalized anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Depression, relationship issues & building, and substance abuse.

I also have a particular interest in working with adolescents and young adults struggling with school issues and life transitions.

What drew me to this work:

It comes second nature to me to listen, support and help people. I have always been the friend you talk to when you’re going through a tough time, as well as the person who speaks up for others when something isn’t right. I am drawn to understanding people’s experiences and how their thoughts, feelings and behaviors are interconnected.

I have always enjoyed connecting with others on a deeper level and through this work I can do so. I love an “aha!” moment, the feeling of relief that comes from letting out a cry that you have been holding back for far too long, the bright-eyed smile when you did the thing that you never thought you’d be able to do. Those kinds of moments, among many others, are so special. Therapy can be a transformative experience and if I am lucky enough to work with you through your journey of life, I will cherish our time together.

My style:

I would describe myself as empathetic, friendly, and warm. I build strong therapeutic relationships with my clients by ensuring that they feel safe, seen, and heard. I empower clients by using a person-centered, strengths-based and trauma-informed approach. I work as a team with my clients to help them see the strengths they already possess.

In my sessions, I incorporate a mix of different techniques depending on the specific needs of my clients. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and psychoeducation. For my clients diagnosed with OCD, I have training in Exposure Response Prevention (EXRP) which is the gold standard form of treatment. My goal is to provide a space where you feel comfortable to share and process your feelings.

A Little About Me:

I have many different hobbies. I love the arts: music, singing, theater, reading, painting. In my free time, I like to go to the gym, hike, and go on long walks. I also enjoy exploring and traveling to new places; sight-seeing and learning more about other cultures and customs wherever I go.

Services I offer:

In-person individual sessions to teens/adults.

Nicole Vega’s Credentials:

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW), License # 44SL07139000
• Awarded: BASW’s Dean’s Recognition Award for Excellence
• 4-Day Intensive Workshop from Cognitive Behavior Institute: Exposure Response Prevention (EXRP) for OCD
• 4-Day Intensive Workshop from Cognitive Behavior Institute: CBT for Anxiety Disorders and Depression