Nikita Ehlts earned her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University and is licensed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Iowa and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. She has worked in a variety of settings over the past 11 years in the mental health field, including community mental health and private practice. Her theoretical orientation reflects an eclectic mix of theories that emphasize the mind-body connection. She has received additional training in trauma focused strategies including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). She primarily focuses on issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma, and building healthy relational dynamics.
Trauma is not something that we can side step or ignore in today's world. Not a single one of us is immune to it. It may come in the form of adverse childhood experiences, complicated losses, or even collective experiences (like natural disasters or a pandemic). That being said, though we all face adversity and trauma in life, not all are traumatized by it. Gabor Mate states, "Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside us in the absence of an empathetic witness." Nikita views her role as both witness and teacher, creating an empathetic space for your story as well as guiding you through to a space of healing. Nikita utilizes modalities such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Narrative Therapy to help you identify how your trauma has impacted you, how it has impacted your worldview, and how to reduce your reactivity to things that may activate you in the present.
Nikita has a desire to help people find meaning and connect to others around them in meaningful ways. Individual therapy is a great place for this work to happen. Nikita works with the following populations and modalities:
Adolescents (12-18)
Adults (19-85)
Trauma
Depression & Anxiety
Christian Counseling
Parenting Issues
Self-Image / Concept
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Polyvagal Theory
Body-Based Mindfulness
Inner Child Work / Internal Family Systems
Narrative Therapy
Nikita is passionate about finding ways to make families strong and resilient and loves being able to work with parents to grow both in their parenting skills and in their marriage / committed relationship.
Couples work with Nikita focuses on building friendship and intimacy which then leads to healthier communication and conflict resolution. Nikita utilizes a trauma informed approach even in couples work to help each person understand their partner more fully and is informed by the work of Dr. John Gottman.
Nikita utilizes many of the resources produced by Dr. Dan Siegel to support parents. These strategies help parents develop a deeper understanding of brain development and the nervous system to improve interactions and attachment.
Nikita is licensed in Iowa and Missouri.
319.448.3481
office@nikitaehltscounseling.com
1435 31st Street NE, Ste C
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Monday 1-7 pm
Tuesday - Thursday 9-4pm
Or By Appointment