Maria L. Nickell, MA, LPC

10/14/2026

Sometimes you’re not stuck because you don’t know better. You’re stuck because knowing better and choosing differently are two very different things. Growth requires both.

10/13/2026

The empathy is there. The poker face is not

10/12/2026

1. Every person is an image bearer of God.

Whether someone believes in God or not doesn’t change their inherent worth. I don’t have to agree with someone’s beliefs, behaviors, or decisions to treat them with dignity and compassion. Nobody walks into my office beyond the need for grace, including me.

2. Accountability without condemnation.

I will absolutely challenge unhealthy patterns, encourage personal responsibility, and have difficult conversations. But shame isn’t my strategy for producing change.

And can I just say how much I LOVE watching people grow?! When someone comes back and tells me how they recognized a pattern, responded differently, or applied something we’ve worked on, I am genuinely excited. It’s one of my favorite parts of this work.

3. Not everything has an answer. And that’s okay.

As someone who loves understanding things, finding solutions, and making sense of the world, this one is hard.

But sometimes there isn’t an explanation that makes something hurt less. Sometimes things don’t make sense. Sometimes we have to learn to live with unanswered questions.

And sometimes that’s where meaningful growth happens.

These aren’t just things I believe about therapy. They’re convictions that shape how I see people, relationships, and the world.

What would you add to this list?

10/08/2026

Some sisters share clothes. We share genetics, clinical insight, and an excellent sense of humor. ☕️😂.

10/06/2026

Too much fun! 😆

10/06/2026

A weight off your shoulders

10/05/2026

02/23/2026

Check out my blog post for the week!

https://www.leadchristiancounseling.com/post/when-god-doesn-t-stop-a-bad-thing

02/05/2026

Let’s talk about family estrangement…

08/26/2025

I have a new permanent office location! Very excited to get back to in person sessions now that school is in session! 1651 W Centre Avenue in Portage!