Nicole Barksdale, LCSW
(She/Her)
About Me
I specialize in helping high-achieving women heal from trauma, chronic stress, and emotional exhaustion. My work is rooted in the belief that survival is not your identity, and that deep, lasting healing happens when we reconnect the mind and body. I’ve integrated EMDR with somatic therapy, psychodynamic insight, and nervous system regulation to create a safe, personalized healing experience. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally attuned, and body-aware. I support clients struggling with anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and trauma histories that often go unspoken but deeply impact daily life. Whether you're looking to reprocess painful memories, resolve chronic triggers, or simply feel more like yourself again, I offer both weekly EMDR therapy and EMDR Intensives for those who prefer deeper work in a shorter timeframe. You don’t have to keep pushing through. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. Populations Served: Adults (25–65), BIPOC, high-functioning professionals Specialties: Trauma, burnout, anxiety, attachment wounds, emotional neglect Location: California (Telehealth), EMDR Intensives available Website: https://prioritizingmetherapy.com Contact: info@nicolebarksdale.com
Education & Experience
I hold a Master’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work, providing a comprehensive foundation in both the clinical and humanistic aspects of mental health care. I am trained in EMDR through an EMDRIA-approved program and am currently working toward EMDR certification. In addition, I am a certified Nervous System Regulation Practitioner, trained in somatic interventions that support trauma recovery and emotional regulation. My approach integrates EMDR with somatic therapy, psychodynamic insight, and nervous system-based practices to provide holistic, trauma-informed care. Over the past 18 years, I’ve worked in diverse clinical and institutional settings, including schools, prisons, juvenile boot camps, hospitals, and community mental health centers, giving me a deep understanding of how trauma impacts individuals across different systems and life stages.
Specialty Area
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Depression
- Race, Culture, Ethnicity Issues
- Stress Management
Population Served
- Adults
- BIPOC
- Underserved
Insurance
- Aetna
- UnitedHealth
