Erica Nicolaus, LISW

I have more than 15 years of experience as a mental health professional and over 25 years of experience in human behavior. I have worked in both law enforcement & criminal defense and have had the privilege of hearing thousands of stories, every one unique. If there is one thing I know, it is that being human is hard and despite the many joys, it also comes with pain, sometimes tremendous pain.

I also believe with a healthy mindset; humans are remarkably resilient. Trauma can drastically disrupt mindset, often creating a false life narrative. Let’s unlock your truths, find your authentic self and work to live your best life possible.

Together we will discuss what has brought you into therapy or life coaching, what goals you have and strategies to get you there. If you are lost, as many of us are, we will learn how to be comfortable in the uncertainty, while remaining curious about what is next. Through evidence based treatments, authentic conversations, we will move forward in healing and evolving.

The first step is recognizing we don’t need to do this alone and that vulnerability is in fact a strength not weakness. Let’s work to be honest with our selves, as the body never lies. An anxious person is a divided person, sometimes even leaving us feeling like an imposter in our own body, not even recognizing ourselves. I have been there, let’s heal.

Erica Nicolaus Mental Health Professional Ketamine Therapist

Evidence-based Practices

Evidence Based Mental Health Therapist

Evidence-based Psychotherapy Practices:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
In addition to traditional mental health treatment, I emphasize a holistic approach where we explore how the body and mind work, focusing on breath work, meditation, diet, exercise, sleep, social connection, and more.

Experience Matters

ADHD help, Calm the mind

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

While I have experience working with various 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 are apparent; I feel great privilege to be an agent of change and healing. I look forward to seeing what we can uncover.

Professional Experience

Female teenager therapist
  • Bon Secours Mercy Health Internal & Family Medicine, OB/GYN and  Infectious Disease/Wound Care
  • Legal Expert and Consultant for McKenzie and Snyder LLP
  • 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 Therapy Cincinnati Ohio
  • 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)

Education & Licensure

Educated, Experience, Expert, authority, Trusted
  • 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