Nick Kisielewski, MA, LLC

Phone: 616-426-9034, ext. 674
Email: nkisielewski@secondstorycounseling.com

MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Franciscan University of Steubenville

My story has instilled in me a sense of awe of the human person, of life. Each one of us traverses a path never before walked, telling a story never before told, comprised of all its ups and downs, the twists and turns, perhaps even doubling back for a time, the ordinary, the extraordinary, the unexpected. Originally planning on being a school teacher but instead spending five years in the Air Force, then getting a degree in accounting and working as an auditor for three years, and now finally here - it was nothing I had planned and more than I could have imagined.

Your story is just like mine - it is completely unique, being written every day. As we journey through life, our stories will sometimes tell tales of brokenness: heartache, betrayal, disappointment, sadness, confusion, anger, anxiety, depression, obsession, compulsiveness, etc., and there may be points in our life where we feel stuck in this brokenness, this hurt, this suffering, overwhelmed by it. There may also be points in which we simply want someone to sit down and listen to us. This is where I come in. As my own story was being written, I discovered a desire and a calling to accompany people at these points in their life. To walk with those who are suffering is at once humbling, rewarding, and inspiring.

Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time outdoors: hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking, biking, stargazing. Something about disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of city life and getting in touch with nature soothes my soul. So does my Catholic faith. I came back to the Church after being away during most of my late teens/early twenties, and it's been a big part of my healing journey. I am very passionate about my faith and strive to understand it, though I work with people of all backgrounds/beliefs. I also love music and enjoy playing guitar and writing songs.

My Approach

I don't see it as my role as a mental health counselor to figure people out, nor am I the expert of your problems, and I'm certainly not the author of your story. I believe in the healing power of relationship, which by its very nature, can be therapeutic. For this reason, I consider myself person-centered at the core. In addition, I practice from a CBT-informed perspective, looking at the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I also aim to see wellness from a holistic point of view, taking care not to neglect other aspects of our life and human nature that may be a contributing factor to psychological distress or an impediment to reaching your counseling goals.

What you can expect

Therapy is a collaborative process. We will be working together to help you reach your goals for counseling. As your therapist, I will always be looking out for your good. This is a safe place for you to share whatever is on your heart and mind, no matter how crazy or disturbing or embarrassing you think it might be. This is a place for you to be heard, your story to be told. There may also be times when I challenge you, invite you to mindfully observe your own experiences, thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and see how they're related and perhaps where changes could be made for the better. I will encourage you to work on what we talk about between sessions, as that will help you get the most out of our time together. Our sessions will move at your pace, and you will never be required to share more than you wish or do anything you are not comfortable with.