Hello!
Nico Barden (she/her) is a Master of Social Work (MSW) clinical-year student who is passionate about helping people explore identity, build self-understanding, and move toward lives that feel authentic and meaningful. Drawing from both personal and academic experiences, Nico brings a compassionate, nonjudgmental, and affirming approach to therapy with a strong commitment to meeting clients where they are in their journey.
Nico's path to becoming a therapist has been shaped by years of personal growth, self-exploration, and mental health work. After initially studying psychology, she later pursued a degree in performance art, where she developed a deep appreciation for identity, lived experience, storytelling, and the many ways people make meaning of their lives. These experiences ultimately led her back to the mental health field with a renewed understanding of the importance of authenticity, self-expression, and healing from shame.
Her therapeutic philosophy centers on curiosity, acceptance, and empowerment. Nico works from an affirming, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive framework, helping clients examine beliefs, experiences, and systems that may contribute to emotional distress or feelings of disconnection. She strives to create a therapeutic space where clients feel safe to explore who they are without fear of judgment.
Nico enjoys working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, transgender and gender-diverse clients, neurodivergent individuals, and those navigating identity development, self-acceptance, and life transitions. She also welcomes clients who are exploring relationships, community, belonging, and the impact that social and cultural systems can have on mental health and well-being.
Her clinical interests include Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Nico is especially drawn to Narrative Therapy and its ability to help individuals reclaim their stories, challenge unhelpful narratives, and build lives aligned with their values. She also incorporates psychoeducation and practical skill-building strategies to support clients in reducing distress and increasing resilience.
Nico prefers working with young adults and adults and enjoys both individual and group settings. She is committed to ongoing learning, cultural humility, and creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
When working with Nico, clients can expect a collaborative approach grounded in openness, compassion, and genuine curiosity about their unique experiences. She believes that healing begins when people are given the opportunity to tell their stories, challenge shame, and discover new possibilities for themselves.
Currently accepting clients at PeopleFirst Clinic PLLC under clinical supervision. Appointments are available in-person and via telehealth.
Special Interests Include:
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy
Transgender and Gender-Diverse Care
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy
Identity Exploration and Development
Narrative Therapy
Self-Esteem and Self-Acceptance
Religious Trauma Recovery
Life Transitions
Group Therapy
DBT Skills
CBT Skill Building
Community, Belonging, and Connection
And, of course, YOU.