Last edited 08/30/2025
Identifies As
She / Her / HersWomanWhiteBisexualThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day SaintsLGBTQIA+Living with a disability
Get To Know Me
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
My path to becoming a therapist was full of windy turns and changes. Being physically disabled, I sought a career that I could physically manage while making meaning of my work. I did not find meaning in utilizing my Communication degree. I found I could not physically handle speech-language pathology. I was redirected to counseling, and it was as if a flower was blooming in my mind. All the trauma and difficulties I experienced over the course of my life were given hope, and I found a way to make meaning out of my suffering. I have been actively healing myself and others, and it has been the most rewarding experience for me.
In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
I believe in compassion, love, and connection. I am making it my mission to spread my philosophy of radical compassion - and I can do that by showing how compassion motivates change and invites hope in those who are suffering and seeking therapy.
What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
Shame. And distrust. I can't force someone to stop holding their self-shame or distrust, but I can cultivate the desire for peace and connection that most people share. I do that with compassion.
Location
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Specialties
Specializes in
DepressionAnxietySelf-EsteemPost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Spirituality & religion based issues
General Expertise
Work StressLoss/GriefAbuse/Survivors of abuseArtists' mental healthAttachment issuesBipolar disorderBody dysmorphiaBody image issuesCaregiver stress & supportCommunication issuesCreative blocks & writer's blockLife coachingLife transitionsMedical Professionals' Mental HealthMood disordersPerformance anxietyStressSuicidal ideationTraumaBurnout
Treatment Approaches
Strength Based TherapyCompassion-Focused TherapyIntegrative Therapy
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Individual Therapy
Serves Ages
Young Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)
Languages
English
Professional Background
Licensure
Under Supervision: Nicole McDowell-Horn, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, CTB-2023-0742 is practicing under the supervision of Karen Seif (New Mexico, LMFT, CMF0204031) at Compassionist Counseling Services LLC.
Please, note: A clinician listed as being “clinically supervised” is completing clinical hours toward their licensure. They have one or more fully licensed clinical supervisors that often have special training. They consult with their supervisor(s) on all of their cases.
Training/CertificationsMindful Self-CompassionAdvanced DBTMotivational InterviewingIntroduction to Equine-Assisted Learning and TherapiesThe Inner Child Explained: How It Impacts Your Emotions, Thoughts, & BehaviorsARC Model FrameworkCompassion in Therapy: Healing Trauma with Compassion-Based ApproachesTransference and Countertransference
Education
Eastern New Mexico University, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2023
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Bachelor of Arts, Communication, 2013 — Minor in English. Member of Alpha Psi Omega and Lambda Pi Eta. Delivered a presentation on Miscommunication at an annual communication conference, and published a short story in the university's literary magazine.
Work HistoryI have explored various modalities since graduate school that I felt would improve my skills in session and give me greater insight into the therapy process. By far, the most impactful trainings I received were the mindful self-compassion trainings, because they showed me a real difference made in my own life as I practiced their techniques and applied the knowledge I gained from them.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Nicole McDowell-Horn, LMHCA, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Nicole McDowell-Horn accepting new clients?
Yes, Nicole McDowell-Horn is accepting new clients for online therapy in New Mexico.
Does Nicole McDowell-Horn accept insurance?
No, Nicole McDowell-Horn does not accept insurance.
What types of therapy does Nicole McDowell-Horn offer?
Nicole McDowell-Horn offers therapy for individuals.
Does Nicole McDowell-Horn offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in New Mexico can book Nicole McDowell-Horn for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Nicole McDowell-Horn offer online therapy?
Yes, Nicole McDowell-Horn offers online therapy via video sessions and phone sessions to people in New Mexico.
How quickly can I see Nicole McDowell-Horn?
Nicole McDowell-Horn typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Nicole McDowell-Horn speak?
Nicole McDowell-Horn conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Nicole McDowell-Horn online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Nicole McDowell-Horn online using ChoosingTherapy.com’s directory.