Nick Ireland (he/HIM)

Hello! I'm Nick Ireland, a white, neurodivergent, queer, cisgender therapist based in Austin, Texas. I'm a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW), supervised by Dayana Zamora, LCSW-S (#58780). I specialize in working with folks exploring gender identity and sexuality, as well as those struggling with religious trauma, anxiety disorders, OCD, neurodivergence/ADHD, trauma, grief, depression, and navigating interpersonal relationships.

I started with a Bachelors in Behavioral Neuroscience, thinking pre-med was the path for me. But after working in the medical field, I craved something more personal, something that dove deeper into the complexities of human experience. The inner world, the stories we hold – that's what truly fascinated me. 

Witnessing the lives, stories, and resiliency of individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at a group home solidified my motivation to work in mental health. Before my Master of Social Work from Texas State University, I worked with people with developmental disabilities/autism, school social work (supporting folks through grief and anxiety), and most recently at an LGBTQ+ sexual health clinic, Kind Clinic.

Working at Kind Clinic was a turning point.  I saw firsthand the challenges our community faces – stigma, depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction. It fueled my desire to create a safe, judgment-free space, a place where folks can truly be themselves without fear. We deserve that, don't we?

Therapy with me is about building a life aligned with your values, goals, and a deep sense of self-love. It's about creating fulfillment on your terms. We'll draw on evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment Theory, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), always prioritizing compassion and meeting you exactly where you are. With my neuroscience background, I hope to cultivate a sense of self-compassion through unpacking how your brain has learned to cope based on your life experiences and culture. Together, we can help that noggin experience safety and new, self-supportive ways of coping and thriving.

Growing up in a strict religious environment that shamed my queer identity was challenging. But through that experience, I cultivated a fierce sense of self-love, self-acceptance, and empathy. I understand the complexities LGBTQ+ folks face in this world. Your experiences matter, and I honor and respect your journey. Together, we'll work on building your self-worth, self-love, and move in a direction that empowers you.

I believe you know what's best for you.  Our therapy will be built on an authentic and genuine relationship, rooted in understanding and compassion. Society throws enough shame and negativity our way; therapy should be a safe space to explore your stories, challenge internalized messages, and reclaim your life.

I'm constantly learning and growing, especially regarding the needs and interventions for intersectional identities. I work from an anti-oppressive, feminist, queer, anti-diet, mindfulness-based, intersectional, strengths-based lens. When I’m not working, you can find me cozying up with my cats, Shade and Kipo, playing Nintendo games, hiking with friends, and reading tons of books.

Wondering if we’re a good fit? Email me at nick@vadacounseling.com or call me at 512-379-2166 for a free 30-minute consultation!