Deborah Nichols LPC, LPCC, NCC

Hi, I'm Deborah.

And if you're feeling lost now that your kids are grown, I want you to know something:

You aren’t “fine” and that’s ok.

The truth is, the empty nest transition is about so much more than missing your children.

It's the first time in decades you’ve had to ask yourself…

Who am I now?

You begin to mourn the loss of your children before they are even physically gone. It’s the pulling away that happens over time- when they get their drivers license, their first partner, the small moments that signal that it’s all changing.

What surprises us too is that even when our kids are doing exactly what they're supposed to do—the feeling is still so unsettling.

You might feel lost.

Not because you aren't proud. Not because you aren't grateful. But because so much of your identity has been tied to being needed.

The Problem Isn't That Your Kids Grew Up

The problem is that somewhere along the way, you stopped being part of the equation.

For years, you've been making decisions based on what everyone else needed.

You've been the helper.
The planner.
The caregiver.
The one everyone could count on.

And now that your role is shifting, you're left with questions no one prepared you for:

What do I want?

What excites me?

What does this next chapter look like?

Who am I when I'm not actively taking care of everyone else?

These aren't small questions.

And no, another hobby probably isn't going to answer them.

I get it.

As both a therapist and a mom navigating this season myself, I’m not immune to the untethered sense that accompanies this part of life. I have been working exclusively with moms navigating identity shifts in my private practice since January of 2018.

Working with me, sessions will be filled with warmth but also challenge. I don’t just sit, listen, and nod. I actively listen, I get it, and I engage. We may laugh. We may get really uncomfortable and go places you never have been or didn’t even think you wanted to go. But you will surprise yourself. Transformation will be happening and I will be your sidekick, nudging you to step just a little outside your comfort zone, but meeting you every step of the way.

When I am not seeing clients, I love engaging in retail therapy ( hello shoppers!), challenging my mind and body in torturous hot yoga and HIIT classes (I’m a glutton for punishment) . I tried taking up pickleball with my husband for the empty nest phase and determined that it’s not really my jam… so accepting suggestions for couples hobbies! Lastly, loving on my sweet and sometimes hyper Boston Terrier Abbie, and our recent addition Rosie (again, glutton for punishment… but she’s SO cute) ❤️.

I look forward to meeting you!

My guys ❤️

My girls…🐶

Rosie