Nikki Christensen, AMFT
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcNhIwEhRJI
About Nikki
Nikki Christensen is a Marriage and Family Associate Therapist at Connections Counseling Services. She holds a holistic systemic viewpoint, which means her approach is rooted in the belief that an intervention at any level can create a positive ripple effect – whether for a child(ren), individuals, and/or throughout an entire family system.
Nikki believes that every person deserves to be listened to, understood, seen, valued, and supported in the way that each person individually needs in order to be their authentic selves. She views therapy as a way to foster the connection and resilience necessary for lasting growth. Whether you are navigating singlehood to marriage, connections within a marriage, new baby to an “empty nester”, Nikki helps clients reunite with themselves and each other in healthier, more meaningful and dynamic ways. If or when a relationship transition includes a move toward separation and/or divorce, she supports clients in facilitating calmer proceedings and creating an intentional path forward while considering best practices when children are involved.
What to Expect Working with Nikki
Nikki describes her style as compassionate, supportive, values authenticity, practicality and fosters a safe environment for exploration.
With warmth and clarity, Nikki helps individuals and coupleIs navigate the intricate dance of your relationships and clear any hurdles standing in the way of your growth. She provides a supportive space where you can explore your unique strengths and growing edges. By equipping you with practical tools, she helps you find your footing and maintain your composure as you move through your world each day.
In her work with children, Nikki helps them navigate ‘big feelings’ by building an inner toolbox of emotional resilience and social confidence. She
believes that when a child understands their inner world, they can more easily connect with the world around them.
Recognizing that a child’s success is tied to the stability of their environment, she also guides co-parents in cultivating a stable, mature and civil partnership. By clearing away the ‘fog’ of past conflict, she helps parents build a clear, child-centered path forward where the whole family can find their footing.”
Specialties and Clinical Interests
Nikki works with a broad range of clients and has a special interest in:
- Co-Parenting: Moving from conflict to child-centric, functional partnerships.
- Blending Families: Navigating the transition of merging two histories and aligning household cultures.
- Child Development: Building emotional regulation and social skills for elementary-age children.
- Life Transitions: Supporting newlyweds, new parents, and those in the “empty nest” stage.
- Personal Transformation: Working with individuals who are trying to figure out how to change, explore their identity, and intentionally become the person they want to be.
Nikki is passionate about helping people reconnect with their core values and improve connections with others. Believing that when an individual gains clarity on who they are and/or want to be, they bring a healthier, more grounded presence to all their relationships.
Therapeutic Approach
Nikki draws from multiple evidence-based approaches which allows a customized, tailored path for each client, including:
- Gottman Method
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) (Externship Completed)
- Brainspotting
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Structural & Strategic Family Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy (CBFT)
- Bowen & Psychodynamic Theories
Education and Training
Nikki is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree graduated Summa Cum Laude from Touro University Worldwide. She also holds a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University in Marriage, Family, and Human Development.
Her clinical foundation is enriched by an EFT externships, CE in Divorce, Loyalty Conflicts and Estrangement, workshop/CE in Intimate Exposures, Conscious Uncloupling, Couples therapy, and is currently pursuing advanced Gottman Method training to further her expertise in couple-centered care.
Location and Availability
Nikki sees clients at the Connections Counseling Services in Murray and offers in-person / telehealth / hybrid options. Nikki also speaks Spanish.
She is committed to providing a flexible and accessible environment where clients can feel secure while doing the vital work of healing. She has found that in most cases when working with families, couples and children, the best success occurs in person.
A Little About Nikki
Outside of work, Nikki is a mother of three amazing young adults and spent many years homeschooling, an experience that deepened her passion for watching others learn and grow.
When she isn’t in the therapy room, you can usually find her outdoors—hiking and exploring nature, spending time with family, friends and her furry animals. She also enjoys traveling, diving into a good book, and engaging in deep, thoughtful discussions.