Nikki Dowling, LCSW, Clinic Director

Nikki is the Clinic Director at Ember and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than a decade of experience helping adolescents and adults overcome challenges related to trauma, abuse, mental illness, life stressors, relationship difficulties and family/parenting problems.

Nikki approaches work with clients from a strengths perspective, meaning she believes that clients are resilient and have inherent strengths and resources that can serve as powerful tools for growth and healing. Through a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship, Nikki assists clients in identifying and harnessing these strengths to overcome obstacles, build confidence, and create meaningful change.  Nikki also believes that our past, particularly our childhood, often plays an important role in current conflicts and struggles. For that reason, Nikki uses psychodynamic and trauma-informed approaches to help clients explore their personal histories.

Nikki earned her master’s degree in social work from Columbia University in New York. There, she received a certification in evidence-based practices, which are methods and techniques that are research-backed and proven to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, including substance abuse, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

Nikki is passionate about helping clients recognize their resilience and discover new possibilities, even when facing challenges that feel insurmountable. Her goal is to provide a compassionate space where clients feel understood, empowered, and equipped to move toward greater wellbeing and fulfillment.