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Meet Ollie,
my therapy dog

Nikki Hirsch, LMSW, LSW

Therapist at Internal Compass

 

Telehealth Therapy for Grief and Trauma in New Jersey and New York

Therapy That Feels Supportive, Grounded, and Human

I work with adults who are navigating grief, trauma, relationship challenges, identity shifts, and periods of emotional overwhelm. Reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, and I deeply respect the courage it takes to take that first step. It’s a privilege to walk alongside clients during this part of their journey.

 

My goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe being honest, exploring what feels difficult, and building skills that support meaningful, lasting change.

 

Clients often describe our work together as compassionate, supportive, and sometimes infused with humor - leaving sessions feeling lighter, more grounded, and better equipped to move forward.

 

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Who I Work With

I provide online therapy for adults who are navigating:

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  • Grief and loss

  • Trauma and unresolved emotional experiences

  • Relationship challenges and attachment patterns

  • Self-worth and self-esteem concerns

  • Prenatal and parental mental health

  • Emotional overwhelm and difficulty regulating mood

  • Life transitions and identity shifts

 

I often work with clients who appear to be functioning on the outside but feel weighed down internally. Therapy offers a space to slow down, make sense of what you’re carrying, and begin responding to life with more clarity, self-compassion, and intention.

My Approach to Therapy

I meet clients where they are, with care and without judgment. Therapy is collaborative and moves at your pace: not rushed, prescriptive, or one-size-fits-all.

 

In our work together, you can expect:

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  • A supportive, nonjudgmental relationship

  • Practical tools that translate into everyday life

  • Increased self-awareness and emotional understanding

  • Space to safely process grief, trauma, and change

  • Encouragement paired with gentle, thoughtful guidance

 

My approach is informed by attachment-based, person-centered, interpersonal, strength-based, and cognitive-behavioral frameworks. I balance empathy with clarity, supporting you while also helping you move toward meaningful, sustainable change.

“What we don’t need in the midst of struggle is shame for being human," - Brené Brown

A Little About Me

Since therapy is such a personal space, here’s a small glimpse into the person behind the chair.​

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Favorite color: Turquoise (blue opal)

 

Feel-good song: “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” - and yes, I sing along every time


Favorite season: Spring - I love being outdoors


Favorite hobbies: Decorating cakes, playing guitar, and (with zero shame) napping


Favorite place I’ve traveled: Greece -for its beauty, history, and culture


Favorite food: Ice cream. Always a yes.


Favorite animals: Dogs and horses


My favorite part of this work: Witnessing the quiet moments when something suddenly clicks


I believe: Humor and warmth can be just as healing as insight

 

These parts of who I am shape how I show up in therapy - present, curious, creative, and deeply human)

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Words That Guide My Work

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection," - Buddha

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“What we don’t need in the midst of struggle is shame for being human," - Brené Brown

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“Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you," - Gabor Maté

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“There is no grief like the grief that does not speak," - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 

These words reflect how I view healing: as something that happens in safe, compassionate spaces where your story is honored without judgment.

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Credentials and Licensure

Education: Rutgers University, School of Social Work
Licensed Master Social Worker
New Jersey License #44SC05963700

Ready to See If We Are a Good Fit?

Therapy works best when you feel comfortable, understood, and supported.

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If you are curious about working together, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We can talk about what you are navigating, answer your questions, and explore whether therapy with me feels like the right next step.

FAQs About Working With Nikki

Do you work with children or teens?
No. I work exclusively with adults. My practice is focused on supporting adults navigating grief, trauma, relationships, identity shifts, and emotional overwhelm.

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What types of concerns do you help adults with?
I work with adults who are experiencing grief and loss, unresolved trauma, relationship challenges, attachment patterns, self-worth concerns, prenatal and parental mental health challenges, emotional overwhelm, and major life or identity transitions. Many of my clients appear to be functioning well outwardly but feel weighed down internally.

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What does therapy with you feel like?
Clients often describe our work as supportive, grounded, and collaborative. Therapy is a space where you can slow down, be honest, and explore what feels heavy without judgment. I balance compassion with practical tools and gentle guidance to support meaningful, lasting change.

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Do you offer in-person or online therapy?
I provide telehealth therapy for adults in New Jersey and New York. Online therapy allows you to access support from the comfort of your own space while maintaining privacy and consistency.

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What is a 15-minute consultation?
A free 15-minute consultation is a brief, no-pressure conversation where we can talk about what you are looking for in therapy, answer questions, and see if working together feels like a good fit. It is not a therapy session, but it can help you decide on next steps.

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Is therapy only for people in crisis?
Not at all. Many people seek therapy during periods of transition, emotional overwhelm, or when something feels off even if they are still functioning day to day. Therapy can be a space for clarity, growth, and support, not just crisis management.

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How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
The relationship matters. If you are looking for a therapist who is warm, collaborative, and grounded, and who values humor and humanity alongside insight, we may be a good fit. A consultation can help you get a sense of whether working together feels right for you.

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