Meet Nicki Baumbach | Psychotherapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicki Baumbach and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicki, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I have gained a greater work life balance over time. I used to devote a great deal of time to work and didn’t worry that I didn’t have a better balance. When becoming a mother, however, it was very important to me to find a balance that felt more easeful so I didn’t feel torn between work and home life. Part of the reason I started my own business was to support this balance for myself and continue to ease stress around splitting my time between work and mothering.

I feel like I am succeeding at a work life balance when I feel joyful to split my time between both priorities. When I feel stressed about being away from home, I know I am no longer in a balanced harmony. I think a work life balance is going to look different for everyone and it is important to find a mix of work and home life that feels rewarding and easy to manage for each individual.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started my business, Nurture Nook Counseling; a psychotherapy practice aimed at supporting individuals on their journey into and through parenthood. Unlike other psychotherapy practices, I have a specialized niche in perinatal mental health. I offer support to clients going through fertility/infertility challenges, grief and loss along their parenthood journey, and pregnancy/postpartum/parenting.

I went through a great deal of schooling to land in this role including two masters degrees in Social Work and Public Health, as well as a two-year fellowship aimed at fostering and supporting clinical skills in perinatal mental health. I also had to acquire a clinical license to practice in this field.

On the path to starting my own business, I had to engage in self-reflection and growth in order to gain the confidence and dedication it takes to run a business. It was never in my imagination to start my own business, but after working in the mental health field in a variety of roles, I finally came to the realization that to actualize my dreams in supporting clients in inclusive, encompassing, and nurturing ways, I would need to start my own practice. I feel grateful to have the influence I do and honor what a vulnerable process it is to entrust another being with what can be one of the most emotional and stressful moments in life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When visiting Boulder, it’s all about the adventure. With many outdoor enthusiasts, there is never a lack of amazing trails, outdoor sightings, and restaurant patios to delight in. All of which are great for your mental health! We would start our days with brunch or coffee at Tangerine, Snooze, Spruce Cafe, or Lucky’s Bakehouse. Then we’d hike one of the plentiful trails nearby such as the Chautauqua trail, Mount Sanitas, or Wonderland Lake. It wouldn’t be a complete day in Boulder without visiting Pearl Street. Whether we get some shopping done, spend some time perusing the shelves at the Boulder Book Store, or enjoy happy hour at one of the many outdoor patio options. For dinner, we’d hit up a favorite including T|aco, Bar Taco, Sforno, or Avanti.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the amazing support of my former supervisor and colleagues at The Parent & Family Wellness Center. Without their contribution on my journey, I wouldn’t have the same skills or dedication to continue to support clients in the perinatal mental health world. I also feel grateful for the continued support and collaboration of my colleague, Marley Miller. I continue to learn from her and be inspired to be the best therapist I can for my community.

Website: https://nurturenookcounseling.com