Nicole Leacock, MSW | Child & Adolescent CBT Therapist
MSW., Registered Clinical Social Work Intern (ISW18637)
At GroundWork Counseling, I provide evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and behavioral challenges. I also work with parents on effective strategies for addressing challenging behavior and supporting social and emotional development.
I am honored to accompany children and their parents while they discover their inner strength and learn new ways to cope. I aim to create an environment of safety, acceptance, and genuine caring for the individual. During sessions, I use cognitive and behavioral techniques to teach adaptive coping strategies and promote the application of new skills in everyday life. It may appear as if we are playing in therapy sessions, and that is true but that is not all that is happening. I use a playful approach to help children grasp ideas and practice skills. Children, especially younger children, don’t have the same vocabulary or life experience as adults (naturally). Sessions will certainly include talking but while we are talking, we will engage in games, pretend play, and movement to help build awareness of how changing our behavior affects how we think and feel. Through play and practice, children expand their awareness of their feelings and thoughts, learn how to communicate, and cope with their feelings in positive, healthy ways. These are skills that last a lifetime.
I believe a partnership with caregivers is essential to supporting a child. Children with parents who take an active role in treatment are more likely to make progress and reach their therapeutic goals. I welcome this partnership and invite parents to engage with CBT alongside their children.
About Me I have lived in Florida most of my life having been born and raised in Miami. I have always known I would work in a helping profession. Even in childhood, I enjoyed being with people, learning about them, and building relationships. Before entering the mental health field, I worked for a research organization in New York City for six years where I studied interventions to support child development. This work inspired me to pursue a career in clinical social work to help children and families achieve optimal well-being through effective therapy. I am a mother to three children and married to a teacher. I enjoy reading, taking walks, cooking, and playing with my family.
Education & Certification I received my bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida State University. I received my master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. I am a registered clinical social work intern in the state of Florida – ISW 18637. I have completed training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Triple P Parenting Program (Level 4), an evidence-based parent management training program for behavioral problems. I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health (FAIMH).