She earned her degree at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, FL, in 2008, and has done crisis stabilization, clinical assessment, work with sexually abused children and with inpatients at a substance abuse treatment facility, and has acted as a clinical director. Her doctoral research was on self image development in adolescent African-American females. These experiences provide a rich atmosphere for her personal, professional, and spiritual journey and have shaped her clinical practice. She values professional collaborations and is a member of the Illinois Psychological Association and the owner of Blue Lotus Psychological Services, Inc. Her areas of specialty include holistic addiction treatment, the practice of Reiki, psychological assessment, holistic and spiritual health, client centered psychotherapy, and work with diverse populations. Dr. Nicolas can be reached at www.bluelotuspsychology.com