About

Hi, I'm Dr. Shana Nichols (she/her), a licensed clinical psychologist living in Long Island, New York, however, I am also licensed in Colorado, Iowa, and Missouri. I hail from Canada originally and bring with me a dash of north of the border kindness, warmth, and reassurance that with me, you have found a safe space within which you can share your story and concerns.

I have over 20 years of experience providing individual and group therapy and parenting support to youth, teens, young adults, and adults. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including emotional difficulties such as depression and anxiety, stress, social and relationship challenges, struggles with life transitions and change, sexual and gender identity, becoming independent, parenting through and living through adolescence and young adulthood. I also have a number of areas that I specialize in, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and co-occurring emotional and behavioral challenges, working with girls and women with ASD, adjusting to an ASD diagnosis in adulthood, and adolescent and young adult issues in ASD. Other areas of specialty include social learning difficulties, helping parents and teens with puberty, sexuality, and relationships, issues facing girls and women, and sports-related anxiety (in particular, equestrian).

My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectic and behavioral, acceptance and commitment, mindfulness, and strengths-based therapies, however the foundation underlying all of these is working as a partner together with my clients; I see us as a team, and you as a whole person with individualized needs. You know yourself best! Starting therapy is a brave decision; I will help you to identify your unique strengths and challenges, determine goals for therapy, encourage, support, and facilitate your growth, and guide you in evaluating your progress.

Though I am a clinical psychologist and have much experience in assisting clients by conducting formal diagnostic evaluations, labels only have a purpose in specific situations. Whether we have a diagnosis or not, more important is that we all desire to live lives that are enriching, fulfilling, and have meaning. Sometimes we have a hard time adjusting to the challenges life throws our way and we need help along the journey to make some changes and learn new skills. That’s where I come in.

In addition to my direct work with clients, I am passionate about training and educating. I am the lead author of the book Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum, I am an invited speaker at conferences, and I conduct research with colleagues in the areas of healthy sexuality and diversity in individuals with ASD. I believe that a strength of mine that sets me apart is this combination of academic endeavor and direct practice. I intuitively use evidence-based approaches with a compassionate and insightful understanding.

I am a firm believer in balance in life, and while I love my work, I am also a voracious reader, dedicated equestrian and horse owner, and lover of the outdoors. One of my favorite authors, Mary Oliver, asks her readers:

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

It’s a bold question that tingles with energy and daring, and what we all need at this time, hope.

I look forward to working with you in creating the meaningful life you desire while developing a toolbox of skills that will help you meet the challenges that arise along the way.