Professional Experience

I am Erica Nicolaus, an independently licensed social worker with more than 15 years’ experience as a mental health professional and over 25 years of work experience in human behavior.

I have had the privilege of working with thousands of people of all ages, sexes, sexual orientations, races, cultures, and cognitive abilities who are struggling with challenges related to trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, performance, sleep disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, substance abuse & addiction, chronic pain and chronic health issues.

Evidence-based Practices

 

Evidence-based Psychotherapy Practices:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT),
  • Eye Movement and Desensitization (EMDR),
  • Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT),
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS),
  • Motivation Interviewing (MI)
  • Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).


In addition to traditional mental health treatment, I emphasize a holistic approach where we also explore how the body and mind work and therefore focus on breath work, meditation, diet, exercise, sleep, social connection and more.

Professional Experience

My goal is to help people heal and maximize their full human potential

Erica Nicolaus

While I have experience working with a wide variety of ages, my focus is primarily on older teens and adults of all ages, including our senior population.  My goal is to help people heal and maximize their full human potential; I see adversity as opportunity. My passion for life and my love of people is apparent and I feel very privileged to be an agent of change and healing and look forward to seeing what we can uncover.

  • Bon Secours Mercy Health Internal & Family Medicine, OB/GYN and  Infectious Disease/Wound Care
  • Southwest Ohio Developmental Center Consultant
  • Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health
  • University of Washington Medical Center, Emergency Department
  • King County Department of Public Defense, SCRAP Division
  • Puget Sound VA Medical Center, Addiction Recovery Center
  • Sound Mental Health
  • Deputy Probation Officer
  • Senior Probation and Parole Officer
  • Operation Safe Streets Officer, Governor’s Task Force

Training, & Activities

  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Theory and Methodology for Journey Clinical Members, Certified (March 2024)
  • EMDR Training: Integrating EMDR into your Clinical Practice, 5-Day Intensive (March 2024)
  • Presenter at the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics conference (November 2022)
  • Presenter for Southwest Ohio Healthcare Financial Management Association (August 2022)
  • Guest Speaker on BSMH, Big Shift Podcast on Psychological Safety (February 2022)
  • Presenter for Queen City Gymnastics on Self Injurious Behaviors (April 2021)
  • Guest Speaker at West Clermont Professional Learning Day, district-wide training “Understanding ADHD”, (Nov 2018).
  • Guest Speaker at Multi-Color Corporation “What are the signs, symptoms and causes of stress and how can I reduce it?”  (July 2018)
  • Presenter at the Annual Mercy Health Athletic Training and Sports Medicine Symposium (2016) and (2017) (2018).
  • Presenter at the Annual Mercy Health Wellington Orthopedic Young Female Athlete Symposium, (2017).
  • Presenter at the Annual Mercy Health Dance Symposium, (2017).
  • Expert speaker on 700WLW’s Scott Sloan show discussing school start times and the impact on kids’ sleeping habits and behavior, (August 2017).
  • Member of National Organization of Forensic Social Work, (2013-2014).
  • Guest Lecturer University of Washington, School of Psychology (2013)
  • Soroptimist Fellowship Award Recipient (2011)
  • Graduated first in class from Delaware’s Department of Corrections Academy, (2001).
  • State of Delaware Employee of the Quarter, (2000).
  • Captain of Women’s Division I, NCAA Volleyball Team, (1996).
  • Southwest Ohio Developmental Center

Education & Licensure

  • University of Washington, School of Social Work, MSW 2011
  • State of Ohio Licensed Independent Social Worker, LISW-S (I.1451025.SUPV), active.
  • State of Kentucky Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW (260439), active.
  • NPI Number 1245633148, active
  • Certified Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapist
  • EMDR Certified

Client Testimonials

OMG I Feel Amazing
Debbie
Yesterday I was bleh. Today I am annoyingly positive!
Lil Miss Sunshine
I tripped for hours. Best ketamine on lot.
Big Bear Sky Walker