Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Nicole Gurash. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
My journey to being here today has had lots of little and big defining moments. I am fortunate to have created a private therapy practice that was cultivated not only by my educational and professional clinical passions but also by significant life experiences, and many clients’ stories over the past decade. After obtaining my Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD), it was clear to me that we needed more therapy practices that were neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed in their approach. Therefore my core values, in my work with Spectrum Connections Therapy, are to provide safe, affirming, accepting, and individualized care for my neurodivergent patients and families. We are truly a strengths-based focused practice that celebrates the unique qualities of our neurodivergent community.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I have been in private practice since 2013. I started my business when I lived in Eagle County as there were very few therapy services for neurodivergent children and families in the mountains at that time. Creating my therapy practice was absolutely a passion project and my true calling. When I relocated to Denver in 2016, I re-established and rebuilt my business from the ground up, As a result, Spectrum Connections Therapy, (SCT) was formed. Over the past several years, it has become very important for me to promote neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed mental health therapy for our neurodivergent community in Colorado. At Spectrum Connections Therapy, we are life-span neurodiversity specialists who are passionate about supporting individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum (ASD), Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder & Related Disorders (OCD Spectrum), Trauma, and ADHD. We work with children, adolescents, teens, and adults. Our highly specialized team combines intensive training in the neurodiversity spectrum and decades of experience in effective, trauma-informed, evidence-based treatments. Essentially, this means we have been working in this area for a long time and we get the “big picture” while also simplifying your situation to help you get “unstuck” and, move forward. We utilize a variety of effective approaches to support our clients including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, Exposure-based therapies for all forms of anxiety, social skills groups, EMDR therapy for trauma, and parent coaching services.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
I actually would choose exactly the same profession and specialties. For most of my adult life, I have worked with the neurodivergent community in some capacity. I started out as a special education teacher in my early 20s and later after leaving the field of education, and taking some time off to be a mom, moved into providing mental health services. I am a dedicated lifelong learner and have studied and obtained advanced degrees/certifications in behavioral therapy, clinical psychology, special education, and marriage and family therapy. While I am quite diverse in my training, I feel this allows me to have a unique and eclectic approach to supporting and individualizing care for our Spectrum Connections Therapy clients.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Training and knowledge are important when looking for a therapist, but actually what seems to be the best indicator of therapy feeling helpful and supportive is the “goodness of fit” you feel with your therapist. So first and foremost, I strive to show up in sessions authentically, intentionally, and compassionately. My therapy approach has been described as curious, kind, genuine, patient, and safe. Finally, having a strong network of trusted and like-minded professionals is essential to succeed in private practice. I am lucky to have a strong tribe of amazing clinicians and coaches, who I can refer to and connect with as being in private practice can be isolating at times. For this network community, I am grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spectrumconnecttherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spectrum.connections.therapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drgurash
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-gurash-psy-d-lmft-bcba-41173859/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drnicolegurash
Image Credits
I took the photos