Nicole Valentine, MSW, LISW

Contact Nicole directly at:

515-537-8255

Nicole@openheartstherapy.com

*Please note if this is a mental health emergency call 988 or 911 or go to your local emergency room.

*Initial appointments may be scheduled by calling 515-400-7845 or emailing Rebecca@openheartstherapy.com

My name is Nicole Valentine and I work with my therapy dog, Lucy.

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and received my BA in social work from the University of Northern Iowa in 2018. I completed my graduate program at the University of Northern Iowa and earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2020.

I have worked in community mental health for three years and am now moving on to private practice.

I have a wide range of experiences working with mostly children, but adults as well. I have training in several evidence based practices including EMDR, play therapy, somatic experiencing therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and Animal Assisted Therapy.

Meeting clients where they are at and helping them get to where they want to be is the key to my work. In work with anyone, I use play therapy techniques, art techniques, sandtray, and family therapy techniques.

In all my work, I have a trauma-informed lens and a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. I have a passion for working with children and their families, teachers and other school staff, and the LGBTQ+ community.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog and three cats. I love cooking and I play a lot of board games and video games. My favorites are Stardew Valley, Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, and Mystic Vale.