Nicole Heil, Intern

Type of Therapy Provided: Individual, Family, Group

Client Ages Accepted (Range): 12+ years old

Most Used Interventions: Play Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, CBT, DBT

A creative outlet I enjoy: Cooking

My favorite way to enjoy nature: Paddleboarding 

One word to describe my therapy approach: Solution-Focused

A feeling I want clients to take from therapy is: Empowered

About Me: I am a Master of Social Work intern from the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University, with a clinical focus and a strong background in nonprofit work, health equity, and community engagement. Originally from Grand Junction, Colorado, I have spent over 20 years in the nonprofit sector supporting individuals and communities across the Western Slope. My early work in Human Resources taught me how to be present with people during both joyful and difficult life transitions, including new parenthood, illness, and loss. Over time, I became increasingly aware of the broader systemic barriers that impact people's well-being, which deepened my commitment to social justice and inspired my path toward clinical social work. I’m passionate about working with underserved populations, rural residents, children, and adults. As I develop my clinical skills, I’m especially interested in exploring therapeutic approaches such as EMDR, Play Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, CBT, and DBT to support clients across the lifespan in meaningful, evidence-based ways. In addition to my MSW studies, I am a certified Auricular Acu-Technician trained in the AcuDetox protocol. I hope to integrate this holistic practice into clinical care to support clients dealing with trauma, stress, and substance use. I chose NMHU’s online MSW program for its flexibility, cultural focus, and strong reputation in the Southwest. I’m excited to grow through this internship and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of the individuals and communities I serve.