Exploring Life & Business with Nicholette Aragon of Central Phoenix Counseling and Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholette Aragon.

Hi Nicholette, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona in 2002 and discovered Marriage and Family Therapy while exploring graduate programs. The systemic approach to therapy and the idea of treating relationships, even when just one person is present, resonated with me as I prepared to continue my education and training. The program at Arizona State University turned out to be a perfect fit (apologies to my fellow Wildcats!) and I began working at a children’s behavioral health agency even before I completed my Master’s degree in 2006. During this time, I became a licensed MFT, served as a therapist for children and their families or caregivers, supervisor to interns and associate-level therapists pursuing licensure themselves, and site clinical supervisor toward the end of my tenure there. This rewarding and challenging experience over the course of a decade prepared me well for the transition to private practice in 2015. I worked with two private practice groups in the Valley over the next five years, then opened my own practice in April of 2021. Though this venture came with its share of stress and uncertainty, it has truly been one of the most empowering and meaningful experiences of my career. Since then, I’ve enjoyed working in a beautiful office space in Central Phoenix, which I share with several wonderful colleagues and fellow solo practitioners. Each time I step into the office, I feel so grateful for this inviting and peaceful space where I have the privilege of meeting with my clients, both in person and virtually.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many professionals in the wake of the covid pandemic, I’ve had to adapt the way I work as a therapist to a world that has become increasingly more digital, and less personal in many ways. This shift has made therapy more accepted, celebrated, and accessible than ever as clients can participate from (almost) anywhere (believe it or not, there was a time when virtual sessions were not a thing!), and for this, I’m incredibly grateful. Still, I deeply value sitting with individuals and couples in the same room as they share their experiences, struggles, progress, and growth. Maybe it’s a bit “old school,” but I believe there’s a unique level of emotion and insight that comes with sharing physical space. That said, I respect the many reasons clients may prefer or need virtual services and always strive to bring the same nuance and energy to meet people wherever they are- as long as they are in Arizona! For many people in recent years, their work and lives overall have become more digital, remote, and mobile. But even as therapists now have the tools and technology to accommodate this logistically, state licensing restrictions create challenges to providing continuity of care for clients who move, split time between states, or travel frequently for work. This has been a complicated issue for therapists and licensing bodies across the country, and there are many conversations happening to address it so I’m hopeful for a resolution in the future. In the meantime, I remain dedicated to meeting clients’ individual needs and ensuring continuity of care within the limits of my license.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I own and operate my practice, offering personalized, client-focused services to everyone I work with. Keeping a small caseload allows me to be accessible and provide the right level of support to help my clients make meaningful progress toward their goals. I work with adults, couples, and families, focusing on a range of relational issues, trauma, grief, life changes, boundaries, stress, and other mental health concerns. I use various treatment modalities, including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and others, to tailor approaches to each client’s unique needs. Whether in-person or virtual, I create a safe, welcoming and nonjudgmental space where people can take emotional risks, share their experiences, and tackle their toughest challenges and concerns. Building a strong, trusting therapist-client connection is at the heart of my work, which is often key to positive outcomes. My goal is always to help clients heal, grow, and thrive in all areas of life at a pace that feels right for them.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the nearly two decades since I completed my training and began practicing here in Phoenix, the industry has undergone significant changes, especially in the past five years since the pandemic. Therapy, once seen as something primarily for those with major trauma or mental health challenges, has become more normalized and embraced as a part of healthy self-care to help people stay well and balanced throughout life and better prepared challenges as they arise. With our society becoming increasingly digital and tech-reliant, the demand for therapy on the go and at one’s fingertips, like many other healthcare services, has grown exponentially. Online and app-based platforms have emerged, expanding the definition of “therapy” to beyond just virtual sessions to include text messages, social media posts, and even AI-driven conversations that mimic those that would otherwise occur in a therapist’s office. While these options are often more affordable and accessible than traditional therapy, they come with risks, making it hard to gauge their credibility, effectiveness, or potential harm. I encourage anyone considering therapy to find a qualified, licensed clinician in your area, set aside the hour in your busy (perhaps too busy!) schedule, slow down, and commit to the process. Therapy is often uncomfortable and inconvenient, but it’s a vital investment in your well-being that’s worth dedicating the time, effort, and resources to truly heal, grow, and thrive.

Pricing:

• $165 for a 50 minute session

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.centralphoenixcounseling.com
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/nicholette-l-aragon-phoenix-az/296032

Image Credits
Luzivette Broderick