Justine Nyquist

Becoming a therapist and social worker has always felt like my ikigai. My own lived experiences have shaped and inspired me to create a beacon of healing for others. I know firsthand the power of being held in affirming, compassionate support—an experience that profoundly changed the trajectory of my life. Now, I continue to carry this forward in my work. As a therapist, I see it as a privilege to witness growth across the spectrum of the journey. I view pain and suffering as doorways to new experiences, discoveries, and overall ways of living- and I feel honored to be by my client's side on this journey. As I walk alongside my clients, I continue to learn, not only about them, but through them. I truly enjoy working with different people across the human experience, but I especially feel that I can build deep rapport with those with whom I share some lived experience. We could be a good fit if any of these hit home for you: You feel like you are crumbling under the weight of chronic pain and/or illness(es). Searching for help but only getting perpetually dismissed by the systems that were designed to 'help'. You feel that these systems and living in an ableist society further poke at these painful wounds. I understand the ins and outs of this and the emotional toll that living with such illnesses and engaging with these systems brings on—you are safe to be heard here. You are a highly sensitive or empathic human trying to navigate these difficult times. You want to process past trauma—at your own pace. You were/are the scapegoat or black sheep of your familial system. You grew up in a dysfunctional family system. You want to step into, process, or explore your sexual and/or gender identity. In therapy with me, you can expect me to show up authentically to create a space where—hopefully—you feel that you can do the same. I understand and honor that we are human first, and this may look different on any given day. I am here to listen to understand the various aspects of your story and how you got to where you are today. Overall, therapy with me is holistic, compassionate, and grounded in human connection. I do not expect you to conform or leave any part of yourself at the door—I truly believe that if I am not seeing you holistically, that I am not seeing YOU. Shoes off? Need to keep your hands busy? Need to sit on the floor for a bit? No problem-—this is a space to bring (or find) your whole self. I honor my lived experiences in this profession as they have taught me so much beyond my professional and educational training. As a queer person living with invisible chronic/disabling illnesses who grew up in a (very) rural town on the border of Mexico in Texas, I know what it is like to have to hide parts of yourself to survive. I also know the toll that takes. Additionally, I am a trauma survivor, and while my story may not mirror yours, I see it as a source of fuel to my curiosity and the depth of my empathy. Outside of work, I recharge by surrounding myself with good company—human or creature. You might find me curled up with a cat while getting lost in media, making art, or wandering through the forest being consumed by moss and water sounds. I also love board games, fantasy, and may or may not imagine myself as a fairy sometimes— off on a quest to slay a dragon— cue being overstimulated at the grocery store. Through it all, I remain my awkward, empathic, and goofy self.