- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship concerns
- Eating and body image
About Nicole
Nicole Randel is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) based in Iowa who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and concerns around intimacy and eating. She also supports men who want to address issues related to LGBT identity and overall wellbeing. Her style is down-to-earth and direct, with room for dark humor when it fits the client.
Nicole uses a client-centered approach that focuses on what matters most to each person. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice thoughts and choose actions that match their values. Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy inform her work when emotional regulation and relationship patterns are central.
Her practice pays attention to attachment and family of origin issues, abandonment wounds, and communication patterns that keep people stuck. She also works with body image, eating and food-related concerns, and the experiences of people in alternative sex cultures, including BDSM and kink communities.
Nicole has experience addressing caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, co-morbidity, codependency, and commitment concerns. She has worked with people affected by divorce and separation and those feeling emptiness or difficulty connecting emotionally.
With six years of clinical experience as an LISW, Nicole aims to build a relaxed and authentic space where clients can speak openly. Prospective clients in Iowa can begin by choosing the Start Therapy button and completing a brief matching questionnaire to schedule a session.
How therapy styles translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choosing actions that reflect what matters most. It can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and navigating identity or values conflicts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful habits. It often helps with anxiety, depression, and eating-related concerns. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) concentrates on emotional connection and patterns in close relationships, useful when intimacy or attachment issues are central.Choosing the right approach is usually a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped before. From there she tailors techniques and pacing so the work fits the client's needs rather than forcing a single method.
Confirm the available session formats before booking so you know how appointments will be delivered. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a work break, reduce travel time, and allow a quieter environment that supports focused conversation. Some approaches translate well to shorter skill-practice check-ins, while others suit deeper emotion-focused conversations; Nicole will help match the format and tools to the work you want to do.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Credentials
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Nicole commonly help with?
She works with people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and intimacy-related issues. Additional focus areas include eating and body image, attachment and abandonment concerns, and communication problems.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is client-centered and practical, blending Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other approaches. Sessions emphasize clear, doable steps and attention to each person's values.
What is her background and experience?
Nicole has six years of experience as a Licensed Independent Social Worker. She has worked with people facing chronic health issues, caregiver stress, and identity-related concerns.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She holds an IA LISW credential and practices in Iowa.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
What should I know about session formats and logistics?
Confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are available. The matching process will clarify how scheduling and sessions are arranged.
How does cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button and complete the short matching questionnaire to schedule.