Victoria Nielsen is a Licensed Social Worker in New York State. Victoria began her journey into the mental health field by completing her undergraduate education at The State University of New York at Oswego where she studied psychology and cognitive science. This is where Victoria first became interested in DBT and took it upon herself to further dive into Marsha Linehan’s research and development of DBT. Victoria continued her education, receiving her Master’s degree in Social Work at Stony Brook University.

She has since fulfilled NYS requirements to gain licensure. Victoria has worked in a multitude of settings, including psychiatric hospitals, mental health outpatient facilities, community residency programs, emergency foster care settings, and private practice. Victoria has provided individual and group therapy to individuals living with a wide range of diagnoses and symptomatic behaviors. During these experiences, Victoria would often work with client’s wanting to learn healthy ways to manage their emotions, and maladaptive coping skills. It was with these clients that Victoria would find herself returning to DBT skills as other forms of therapy were helpful, but she could sense the need for a more specific therapeutic approach designed for these individuals particular needs. She also started to see the complexity of the clients who required the full DBT treatment. She came to learn that adherent DBT requires, individual, diary cards, skills group, skills coaching, and for the provider to be on a consultation team. This is when she pursued employment with Suffolk DBT.

Victoria greatly values the diversity of clients and is open to working with individuals at all stages of their lives. Victoria welcomes individuals of all ages, genders, race, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Victoria believes a key component of therapy is providing a warm, safe environment for individuals seeking mental health treatment.  Victoria firmly believes it is best to practice with compassion, empathy, understanding, and acceptance. She believes this is a vital aspect in assisting individuals to gain a better understanding of their symptoms, and guide them towards enhancing their strengths, and independence.

Quote:

“Being highly sensitive does not at all rule out being, in your own way, you are a tenacious survivor.” – Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D.

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