Nina Gallivan, BS, CADC, PCGC

Hi, I’m Nina.

I’m a Clinical Therapist in Training at Health and Healing Therapy. Additionally, I have been providing counseling and treatment to teens and adults who struggle with substance abuse, problem gambling, and anxiety and depression for the past 14 years.

I really love working with people and am so grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside them as they navigate through difficulties in life. It is empowering and beautiful to see people make positive changes and improve their quality of life.

Therapy Approach

First and foremost, I commend you for taking the most difficult step in therapy – seeing its value and  starting the process. The process can be uncomfortable, and I am here to help you make it as easy as possible. Right from the beginning, it is going to be important to establish a good relationship in which you feel comfortable opening up and allowing me to get to know you. I do this mainly by asking questions, listening, and putting care into understanding who you are and what you are saying.  

You will soon see that our sessions are a safe place for you to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment or worry. We will work together to identify goals that you want to work towards. I will use a client-centered approach, using your individual strengths and needs to identify the best approaches to  help you most effectively work towards your goals. Our work is very much a partnership, and I look forward to working with you.  

Additional Specialties & Approaches 

• Emotion regulation
• Stress
• Parenting
• Self-compassion and utilizing internal strengths
• Work stress and challenges
• Trauma-Informed Practices
• Strengths-Based Therapy
• Parent Education and Support
• Mindfulness
• Seeking safety

Nina facilitates the following therapy groups:

Professional Experience

Education 

• Master of Social Work (expected May 2024), University of Missouri Columbia
• Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Substance Use Disorder Counseling Certificate, Waubonsee Community College

Certifications, Credentials, & Specialized Trainings  

• Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, CADC, Illinois #29308 
• Certified Problem and Compulsive Gambling Counselor, PCGC, Illinois #35944 

Professional Memberships 

• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

Interests, Passions, & Fun Facts about Nina

When I am not working, you can usually find me on the sidelines of a soccer, basketball, lacrosse, or hockey game. I have two kids, a teen and a pre-teen, who are both very active in sports. My husband and I spend a lot of time watching, cheering, and driving them around. We also love to travel and ‘get away from it all.’ Our favorite place to vacation allows us to hike, bike, swim, kayak, read, relax, and disconnect completely as there is no cable, cell, or wi-fi.  

I also consider myself an artist. Art has always been a passion of mine, I was even an art major in college at one point. Now in my life, art continues to play a part in my self-care and even makes its way into the work that I do with clients as creativity can be a great way to explore thoughts and emotions.