Pronouns: He/ Him/ His

Nicholas is a Master’s level Social Worker. He earned three Bachelor’s degrees from Grand Valley State University in Philosophy, History, and English Language & Literature. He received his Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and engaged in doctoral studies in neuroscience and medical ethics for over six years before receiving his Master’s in Social Work from Grand Valley State University.

The client’s strengths and unique lived experience are the foundations of Nicholas’s treatment approach. He respects the bravery and vulnerability it takes for clients to pursue therapy, and honors the journey into therapy by providing a welcoming, safe environment free of judgment and negativity. He specializes in trauma processing and recovery, particularly sexual trauma, with further specialization in impulse control disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, strengthening self-esteem and self-confidence, body dysmorphia, and disordered eating.

Nicholas has a special interest in sexual trauma, sexual health, sex and gender orientation, and relationships. He views relationships, a healthy sense of self-identity, sexuality and sexual fulfillment as intertwined, core aspects of the human experience. He works with clients suffering from sexual trauma recovery, low libido, differences in desire, sexual dysfunction, and has particular interest in paraphilias, sex addiction and pornography addiction.

E: Nicholas.Saarela@GRspecialtytherapy.com

F: 616.317.4933