We were lucky to catch up with Nichole Walker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nichole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

So, this story is two-fold for me. My first experience with taking a big risk came in 2020 when I made the career choice to leave my full-time job as a school counselor and join a group private practice as a therapist. It was at the height of covid, I had no plan in place, but I knew I wanted and needed a change. I prayed and asked God for direction and a clear sign. I received a sense of peace and clarity like never before and ultimately made the decision to take the risk/leap of faith and make the transition. While it initially was the scariest thing I had ever done in my life, it turned out to be one of the best decisions. Now, that didn’t mean it didn’t come with trials, tribulations, and growing pains. However, it was worth it all to stretch and grow myself.
During a five-year timeframe, I expanded my knowledge and expertise tremendously. I am a trained practitioner in EMDR, Brainspotting, and Holistic Modalities. These modalities have allowed me to address the needs of my clients beyond the traditional talk therapy model, allowing me to take a more holistic approach inclusive of mind, body, and spirit.
The most recent risk/leap of faith came this year, 2025, when I once again was feeling led — honestly pushed — to shift out of my current comfort zone. This time around I can honestly say, I didn’t see it coming! Literally, when I had been asked a year ago and even several months prior to making the decision to start my own solo private practice, I had no desire! I liked everything about my work environment and truly was in a good place, yet something still felt incomplete, and I couldn’t put my finger on it. So, I did what I always do… I prayed about it and asked God to reveal it to me. Almost instantly He revealed yet again that it was time to shift. I was admittedly skeptical and questioned if the timing was right for several reasons. We were shifting into uncertain times as a country, so I was concerned about it being the right time to venture off as a minority small business owner, we had a daughter who was about to graduate high school and begin college… I just didn’t know if this was the right time! I tried to deny what I was feeling and rationalize that I was in a good place, and that I should just stay and not take the risk. However, no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t shake it. I couldn’t just BE! He was literally making me uncomfortable until I surrendered and said “yes” to His will. I made the decision in March of this year and went solo in June!
I have received so much love, support and encouragement from my family, friends, clients, and even people I don’t know personally, but have connected with via various outlets. The amount of peace I feel from within lets me know that this too will be a risk well worth taking! It will undoubtedly come with some scary times, moments of uncertainty and maybe even doubts, but that’s life! I have been blessed to learn that everything I have and will experience in life was meant to increase my capacity! Every experience in life is there to teach us something. I am open to continuing to grow and do life well, with God at the head of everything I do. I know that it will all prosper if He is at the forefront! To be continued…

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia with over 15 years of experience in counseling. This journey began as a School Counselor working with teens, tweens, parents, and adults. My primary role was to help students to reach their personal best despite any challenges they may have faced. I remained passionate in this role for a little over 10 years in both the public and private school settings working with children k-12th grade with various mental health diagnosis and life challenges.
Since transitioning into private practice now for over 5 years and most recently opening my own solo practice as of June 2025, I have been afforded the opportunity to expand my reach. I have narrowed my focus to working primarily with women, yet inclusive of men and all that resonate with this journey, who are between the ages of 18-64 who are:

*High-achievers battling self-doubt and imposter syndrome

*Emotionally drained from constantly caring for others

*Navigating anxiety, stress, or emotional burnout

*Struggling to set or maintain healthy boundaries

*Working through trauma or grief while still trying to “function”

*Desiring healing that is holistic, soul-centered, and spiritually grounded

*Longing to reconnect with their voice, their values, and their vision

Whether you’re a college student, professional, creative, caregiver, or somewhere in between—you deserve to feel empowered, anchored, and aligned in your life and I welcome the opportunity to assist potential clients on their journey!

In my practice, Believe In Your Journey Counseling & Holistic Care, therapy goes beyond talk. I hold space for the whole you—mind, body, and spirit.

I offer virtual therapy in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, using approaches like:

*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

*EMDR & Brainspotting

*Mindfulness and somatic-based interventions

*Boundary coaching and emotional regulation tools

*Faith-infused reflection (when desired)

You’ll get a blend of clinical depth and sacred softness—a space to explore your inner world and expand your emotional capacity without judgment.

What Makes This Space Different?

*It’s Holistic. We tend to the mind, body, and spirit.

*It’s Safe. No judgment. Just space to be and become.

*It’s Soulful. You don’t have to leave your values—or your softness—at the door.

It’s Virtual. Access therapy from the safety of your space across Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.

In addition to the services I provide, something I am truly proud of is that I have two journals that serve as a complimentary resource to sessions or can be used independently. The goal of the journals is to introduce women to important concepts related to healing and creating a positive mindset that uplifts and encourages. In the journals, I lead women on a journey with the help of applied skills, affirmations, and self reflection in an effort to help them begin to live authentically in their true identity.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has definitely been through building strong relationships. This is something that I have taken pride in during my time in both corporate America as well as working with children in education. I learned very early on, especially in the schools, that you had to get to know the children and be able to relate to them on their level and genuinely care about them. This is applicable to people in general. They want to know that you genuinely care about them and have a vested interest. One of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou says, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you do, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” It is for this reason that I always strive to be mindful of my connections with people in hopes of it being a positive one. I feel that because I make this a priority, my clients are always eager to share my information and refer their family, friends, and colleagues for services. To me, this is the greatest compliment because it shows their level of trust and satisfaction in the services they have received from me and want others to experience the same. In addition to my clients, I also strive to build great relationships with other therapists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, doctors and local businesses in my community that I can support with my services and vice versa, which is also through relationship building.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Something that I feel is most helpful for succeeding in my field is being able to connect with and relate to others. When people can relate to you and feel a connection, I think this opens the door for them to feel safe with you. Being a therapist requires trust and creating safety for vulnerability to take place and establish healthy relationships between the therapist and client. This allows for an environment where growth and transformation can take place. When people can see themselves and relate to the issues you address in your practice they are more inclined to reach out to you based on their needs. In my opinion it is most helpful for the therapist to know what issues they are passionate about when working with clients because it shows through your work. Prospective clients want a therapist that they feel truly gets them and their needs. I think when you are intentional with communicating this, intentional with building great relationships with clients, perspective clients, along with local businesses and partners, success can definitely be achieved.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.believeinyourjourney.com
• Instagram: @boundarieswithnichole
• Other: https://payhip.com/BelieveInYourJourney.com

Image Credits

Kimazing Photography and Nichole Walker, LPC, NCC