Helping families reach new milestones
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Nicole Kabalkin

Nicole Kabalkin

 

Nicole Kabalkin, DSW, LCSW

Director of Trauma Services

Doctor of Clinical Social Work
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

nicolekabalkin

I was drawn to clinical work through a deep commitment to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s most complex and painful experiences. As Director of Trauma-Related Services at Milestones Psychology, I specialize in working with individuals who are coping with trauma, grief, and loss—including traumatic bereavement and ambiguous loss, where the absence of clarity or closure can make healing especially challenging.

One of the aspects I value most about my work at Milestones is the sense of care and intentionality that defines our practice. We are deeply committed to ensuring that each individual feels seen, supported, and valued. I bring a warm, grounded, and compassionate presence to my clinical work, integrating this relational approach with the most current, evidence-based treatments to provide care that is both rigorous and deeply humane.

My clinical approach is rooted in a holistic understanding of each person. Trauma and loss impact not only emotional well-being, but also one’s sense of identity, relationships, and safety in the world. I work collaboratively with clients to understand their full experience—honoring both the pain they carry and the strengths they bring. Through this process, I aim to support individuals in making meaning of their experiences, rebuilding a sense of stability, and reconnecting with themselves and others in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.

I draw upon empirically supported modalities in treatment, tailoring each intervention to meet the unique needs of the individual. My work is grounded in careful assessment, thoughtful formulation, and a deep respect for the complexity of each client’s story. I believe that effective therapy is not one-size-fits-all; rather, it is a collaborative process that integrates clinical expertise with each person’s lived experience.

In my role as Director of Trauma-Related Services, I lead the development of specialized programming designed to support individuals and families impacted by trauma. I am committed to advancing high-quality, evidence-based care that attends not only to symptom relief, but also to the broader process of healing—helping clients move forward with greater resilience, clarity, and a renewed sense of self.

In addition to my work with adults, I also support children, adolescents, and families navigating a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD. Drawing on my background as a special educator and school social worker, I bring a nuanced understanding of child development and the ways in which emotional and behavioral challenges can impact functioning across settings.

I utilize evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help young people build insight, develop effective coping strategies, and gain greater mastery over their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I work closely with caregivers, recognizing them as essential partners in the therapeutic process, and prioritize collaboration to ensure that each child is supported in a way that is both individualized and developmentally attuned. Across all of my work, I operate from a strengths-based perspective, harnessing the inherent resilience within each individual and family system to foster meaningful and lasting change.

Specialties

Behavioral Therapy (BT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Parent Management Training (PMT)

Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A)

Interventions for a range of Anxiety Disorders (Selective Mutism, OCD etc.)

School-based Consultation and Collaboration

EXPERIENCE

Doctorate of Social Work from University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice

Program Assistant at the Child Mind Institute; Lead Counselor of the Brave Buddies Program

School Social Worker at KIPP Infinity Elementary School and Achievement First High School

Elementary Special Education Teacher at Success Charter Network through Teach For America


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