I am a Licensed Psychologist in Texas with a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas. After completing my PhD in 2004, I became employed at Denton County Friends of the Family (DCFOF). Over my 13+ years with DCFOF, I held many positions, including Clinical Director, Executive Program Director, and Executive Policy & Training Director. Through my work at DCFOF and during my doctoral training, I have worked directly with over a 1000 victims of interpersonal violence (sexual abuse, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, etc.). I have additionally completed hundreds of hours of training in trauma and interpersonal violence, provided numerous trainings and presentations, provided expert testimony and consultation, and served on several dissertation committees. I prioritize staying current with the newest research, laws, and resources related to interpersonal violence.
Because of my many years of experience working with individuals who have experienced interpersonal traumas, I know how important expertise and training is in providing competent care. It is crucial that counselors and treatment providers understand trauma, the dynamics of abuse, legal implications and process, and resources/options available. The most well-meaning therapist can cause harm due to ignorance of any one of these issues.
My View of the Counseling/Therapy process: I value the therapeutic relationship and process. I prioritize creating an environment that is safe, confidential, free of judgment, genuine, empathetic, and compassionate. I believe that it is important that we connect and you feel safe. My educational training is as a generalist, which provides me the skills to implement many different evidence based interventions and treat most issues that bring people to therapy. This training is important since no two people are alike and what works for one person, may not be helpful for another. I have specific training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Systems models, Solutions Focused Therapy, and more. My primary approach and general view of the therapeutic process is through Interpersonal Theory. This means that I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a core component to healing and that early relationships impact the way we view the world and ourselves.
Nicole Holmes, PhD is a Licensed Psychologist with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TX License #33601; Expires 10/31/2021). For information on how to verify a license, please go to www.tsbep.texas.gov. For information on how to file a complaint, please go to the following page: https://www.tsbep.texas.gov/how-to-file-a-complaint-enforcement.