Rizzo Nichols, LMSW
I have felt called to the field of social work and therapy from a young age;
following my intuition and inner wisdom has brought me to BLND in the
present day. As a therapist, I strive to guide others towards the discovery
of their true selves and honor their experience and innate ability to heal.
Rizzo Nichols, LMSW
Get to know Rizzo (she/her/hers)
Troy, Michigan
Clinical Specialties: Anxiety Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Social Anxiety, Substance Use Disorders, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Parts Work, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Premarital Counseling, Relationship Counseling, Trauma, Stress, Burnout, Self-Esteem, LGBTQ+ Therapy, Somatic-based therapy
What brings you into the field of social work/therapy?
I have felt called to the field of social work and therapy from a young age; following my intuition and inner wisdom has brought me to BLND in the present day. As a therapist, I strive to guide others towards the discovery of their true selves and honor their experience and innate ability to heal. I am inspired not only by humankind’s ability to survive, but moreover, thrive. I recognize that healing does not happen in a vacuum, and that change can be scary or overwhelming; what drew me to this field ultimately was the hope that folx don’t feel they have to take this journey alone.
What are some of your favorite mental health topics right now?
Inner Healing Intelligence + Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
What population(s) are you interested in working with?
I am interested in working with individuals and couples (18+) who are seeking to deepen their relationship with Self. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodiversity, attachment-work, and sexual therapy + sexual education. I am currently completing my certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies from Naropa University. I welcome individuals seeking an open-minded therapist who will support and collaborate with psychiatrists and/or clinics offering psychedelic services.
What kinds of services are you interested in?
I center my therapeutic approach through both a positive psychology and attachment-based lens. I utilize elements of Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), Eco-psychology, and Parts Work (IFS) to facilitate clients’ inner wisdom and healing.
Favorite ways to rest?
Some of my favorite ways to recharge include participating in a yoga class, engaging in meditation, or attending a sound-bath.
What do you do when you’re not working and/or in school?
I am a huge fan of electronic music, and I have attended Electric Forest since 2016. Last year at the festival, I had the opportunity to host a Guided Meditation + Progressive Muscle Relaxation workshop. I am inspired and moved by music, and you can often find me at a concert on the weekends. I also love to travel and hike; one of my favorite destinations being the state of Colorado. I enjoy learning about new things and like to attend workshops hosted by my local metaphysical shop.
What’s your favorite season/kind of weather?
Spring! It is always a friendly reminder that life happens again, and that dark times are not only temporary, but essential to the cycle of rebirth.
What are you currently reading/podcasting?
Good Citizens by Thich Nhat Hanh + The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe.
Favorite fun fact about you?
I am a cat mom to three boys – Barnabus, Houdini, and Sigmund Floyd!
What is something that people cannot see about you, that you’d want them to know?
I value a sense of humor that naturally comes up in my work. I love to offer dad-like jokes and laugh with clients, and with that, get invested in the unique interests they bring with them into the space. Weird is welcome here!
If you could have dinner with one person (deceased or alive) who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with Jack Black. As someone who is constantly singing to themselves, I feel like Jack and I could really riff off of each other. I actually attended an after-school program called School of Rock, where I sang and played bass guitar in a band, covering classic rock songs.
If you were not a social worker, what would you be?
In the parallel universes where I am not a social worker, I am either a quantum physicist, a comedian, or a DJ.
What are your values?
Curiosity, Innovation, Transmutation, Humor, and Balance.
What does “BLND” mean to you?
Integration. I align with BLND’s position of meeting folx where they are at. Each individual’s life experience is unique and dynamic, therefore, it only makes sense that our approach to therapy follows suit. I interweave elements of different modalities that are custom-created for the client, based on their strengths and feedback. As a neurodivergent individual, “cookie-cutter” has never really been my thing.
