We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Rizkallah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents each brought something unique to the table that shaped who I am today. My mom is an incredibly opinionated and strong-willed woman, and while that wasn’t always easy to navigate as her child, it taught me the value of honesty and authenticity. She always stood firm in her beliefs, no matter who was in the room, and she modeled the idea that you should never compromise who you are or let anyone make you feel inferior.

I’ll never forget one family dinner when I was a teenager, and I said something she strongly disagreed with. We ended up in a heated debate, and I felt like I had lost. But later that night, she came into my room, sat on the edge of my bed, and said something I’ll never forget: “I don’t agree with you, but I’m proud you were honest about how you feel.” It was such a small moment, but it stuck with me. Even when we disagreed, she was proud that I didn’t hide my feelings or opinions. That lesson has carried me through my life and career, where being honest and authentic—especially in challenging moments—has been a cornerstone of how I try to build relationships and work with others.

My dad, on the other hand, modeled gentle encouragement and an extraordinary kind of bravery. He changed his career halfway through life, going to medical school when most people would have chosen stability over uncertainty. It was an act of sacrifice and grit, but he approached it with humility and persistence.

Around the dinner table, my dad would share the wisdom he was acquiring in life with us. He was often exhausted, but took great pains to ensure he taught us what wasn’t taught to him. I remember him sharing, “Sometimes, to build the life you want, you have to do the hard thing. It’s scary, but it’s worth it.” Watching him make that leap taught me that bravery isn’t loud or flashy—it’s the quiet determination to keep going, even when it’s hard and uncertain.

Those two influences—my mom’s fierce honesty and my dad’s quiet bravery—have shaped how I approach my work. Whether it’s connecting with a client, teaching others, or creating spaces for healing, I try to honor both of those lessons: to stay true to myself and to embrace the courage it takes to move forward, even when the path is unclear.

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

Orari Healing Therapy is a place, not a brand. We are deeply rooted in person-centered care, with a grounded approach that prioritizes people over labels or diagnoses. In a world that often oversimplifies the complexity of human experiences and reduces individuals to symptoms, Orari honors your distinct narrative, understanding that no two stories are alike.We don’t believe in wasting anyone’s time or money, so we invest great care from the beginning to ensure you receive the right treatment for your unique needs and aspirations.

Seeking therapy for yourself, your relationships, or your family can be daunting enough. The last thing we want is for someone in a period of uncertainty and change to feel unwelcome in our space. We strive to create a relatable, inclusive environment that is open to people from all backgrounds. However, we don’t promise comfort—discomfort is a natural part of the healing journey. Just as visiting the dentist or a physical therapist can be uncomfortable, addressing deep-seated trauma requires a tolerable level of discomfort in order to facilitate healing.

Therapy sometimes gets a reputation for being soft or coddling, but those who seek to heal are courageous for stepping into the unknown to confront and process unresolved pain. At Orari, we honor that bravery. Our services are designed to support deep healing through EMDR and EFT therapy, intensives, longer sessions, and occasional weekend availability. For us, healing isn’t about offering quick fixes—it’s about fostering deep, meaningful change by addressing trauma at its root.

At the heart of it all, we remain person-centered. You are not here to serve us; we are here to serve you. It is our responsibility to model a secure and trustworthy presence before you share your vulnerability with us.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Pivoting has been a significant part of my journey, especially when it came to finding clarity in my career path. One pivotal moment came a decade ago in my professional life. I was working in a nonprofit role, surrounded by meaningful work but feeling disconnected from my purpose. I wasn’t sure if the work I was doing aligned with the deeper sense of calling I felt in my heart.

I started to notice that what I loved most about my role wasn’t the administrative tasks or large-scale projects—it was the one-on-one conversations with people, the moments where I could connect, listen, and help them navigate their challenges. But shifting from nonprofit work into the world of therapy felt daunting. There were questions about practicality, stability, and whether I was truly capable of taking such a leap.

The pivot came when I allowed myself to sit with the discomfort of that uncertainty. Instead of pushing it aside, I listened to it. I decided to return to school, pursue a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and embark on the path to becoming a licensed therapist. It was a decision that required sacrifice and a willingness to step into the unknown, but it aligned with what I knew to be true about myself: I wanted to help people on a deeply personal level.

This pivot taught me the importance of paying attention to what truly moves you, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. I realized that the things that feel most risky or uncertain are often the ones that lead you to a more authentic version of your life.

Today, as a therapist, I see the beauty in those moments of transition—not just in my own story but in the lives of the people I work with. Pivoting isn’t just about changing directions; it’s about courageously choosing to follow where your heart is leading, even when the path ahead feels unclear.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been rooted in being competent and authentic—what I like to call being 100% professional and 100% human. At the heart of this is delivering exceptional care. When clients feel truly seen, heard, and supported, they naturally want to share their positive experiences with others. Client referrals have been one of the most consistent and meaningful ways my practice has grown, and I take it as the highest compliment when someone trusts me enough to recommend me to a friend or loved one.

Being 100% professional means ensuring I’m continually sharpening my clinical skills through ongoing training, staying grounded in evidence-based practices, and maintaining ethical standards in everything I do. But being 100% human is just as essential. Therapy isn’t just about techniques; it’s about creating a safe and trustworthy connection. Clients need to feel they’re engaging with someone who’s not only competent but also approachable, empathetic, and real.

Another key aspect has been maintaining a clear and consistent presence. Whether it’s through my website, professional networks, or community engagement, I’ve worked to ensure that my practice is accessible and welcoming. I want people to know that, from the first interaction, they are entering a space where they’ll be treated with care, respect, and dignity.

Ultimately, growth comes down to relationships—building trust and showing up fully for the people I serve. I don’t take it lightly when someone chooses to share their journey with me or trusts me enough to refer a loved one. It’s a privilege to do this work, and I try to honor that by focusing on what truly matters: being present, listening deeply, and helping clients heal. When you focus on showing up for people in a way that feels authentic and focused on their healing, the rest seems to follow naturally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.orarihealingtherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orari.healing.therapy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orari-healing-therapy/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrariHealingTherapy
• Other: http://www.azeftcouplesintensive.com
  https://nicolerizkallah.substack.com/p/hello-and-welcome-to-my-substack