Why I do what I do – Nikki Hutchison, CFS Therapist

I think I knew I wanted a career in mental health after taking abnormal psychology for a general education requirement during undergrad at KU. At that time, I was a biology major, but I quickly switched to psychology and I loved it. I felt the content of my classes was much more accessible, I didn’t need to have a periodic table or microscope. I could learn about a diagnosis or concept and then I could observe examples play out in real life as I walked around campus.

I had a lot of anxiety growing up, so it was really liberating to be able to have labels and terms for the different things I experienced. I think that was validating in and of itself and it also helped me come to terms with some of the habits I formed over time. I was over-organized as an adolescent because it gave me a sense of control. I had to reflect on a lot of my habits and figure out which ones were still helpful and which ones were maladaptive. I am still an organized person and I am not so rigid that I break when there is a change in plans.

I started at the Bert Nash Center in the summer of 2018 and have since worked with clients of all ages. I usually work with clients between ages 4-18 as a Child and Family Services clinician but I also support the intensive outpatient program downstairs that sees people ages 18+. I appreciate the diversity of the population that I have the opportunity to work with here and the longer-term relationships I get to build with my clients that doesn’t happen in other settings.

I originally came on as a clinician to work with children and adolescents, but I have been able to support the IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) team downstairs through my experience with dialectic behavior therapy so that I get to mix up my week by doing a group with adults. The dynamic is typically different from when I run my adolescent DBT group upstairs and I appreciate the change of pace that I get when I facilitate or co-facilitate an adult group.

I continue to grow as a person as I meet new people that just have incredible stories of adversity and resilience. Those people inspire me to do my best and continue to try to work to be better so I can overcome obstacles and become a more skilled clinician. My biggest goal is to validate those that come from invalidating environments and give people space so that they can process and start healing too.

I hope that this gives you a little insight into who I am and what I do here at the Nash Center and if there is anything you take away from this, please remember that it is ok to not be ok and it is ok to ask for help. We are here for you.