Melissa Nichols

Professional Experience

1997-Present
Lead Therapist, Family Attachment and Counseling Center, Deephaven, Minnesota

FACC is a nationally recognized clinic that specializes in working with children/adolescents who have suffered early childhood maltreatment. Lead therapist in attachment program, play therapist, managing director of day treatment program 2006-2007 & 2008 to present, parent education program coordinator for support groups, parent trainings, specialized groups, and intern education. Specialties include working with children/adolescents who suffer complex trauma including diagnoses associated with attachment difficulties, severe dissociation, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autistic spectrum disorders, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, etc. Responsibilities also include: therapy, assessment, report writing, curriculum development, presentations on topics related to attachment and early maltreatment, integration of theology and psychology, child development, etc.

Education

Alfred Adler Graduate School, Hopkins, Minnesota
Master of Arts in Counseling in Psychology

St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas
Master of Arts in Theology

Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Professional Affiliations

ATTACh (Association for the Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children)—organizational member
EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association)—member
Hogar deVida (Costa Rican Orphanage)—Staff Member

Selected Presentations (invited within last 3 years)

Nichols, M. (April 2011) “Regulation and Attachment,” Bereen Baptist Church.

Nichols, M. (April/May 2009) “Treating the Experience of Early Childhood Maltreatment,” Florida Keys AHEC. Two day presentation focused on issues and treatment of individuals suffering from early childhood maltreatment.

Nichols, M. (October 2008) “Stories with a Purpose: Healing the Experience of Early Childhood Maltreatment Using Family Attachment Narrative Therapy,” Adoption Plus in Flitwick, England & UK Mental Health Professionals. Presentation focused on Family in Northampton, England. Talk focused issues in early childhood maltreatment and Family Attachment Narrative Therapy as a technique to strengthen attachment with an adopted child.
Nichols, M. & May, J. (September 2008) “Family Attachment Narrative Therapy: Healing the Experience of Early Childhood Maltreatment. Talk focused on origins and instruction of Family Attachment Narrative Therapy as a technique to strengthen attachment with an adopted child.

Nichols, M. (September 2008) “Stories that Heal: Treating Children and Adolescents Who Experienced Early Childhood Maltreatment Using Family Attachment Narrative Therapy,” Catholic Charities Conference in Wisconsin. Talk focused on issues in attachment, tools to help with regulation and attachment, and Family Attachment Narrative Therapy as a technique to strengthen attachment with an adopted child.

Publications

Lacher, D., Nichols, T., Nichols, M. May, J. (2011) Connecting with Kids Through Stories (2nd Ed.), England: Jessica Kingsley Publishing
Nichols, M. (2007). What Works for Children with Attachment Issues? Adoptalk.
Nichols, M., Lacher, D., Nichols, T., May, J.(2006) First Steps for Strengthening Adoptive Families, Deephaven, MN: Family Attachment Center (DVD & Study Guide).
Nichols, M. Lacher, D., May, J. (2001). Parenting with Stories. (3rd Ed.) Deephaven, MN: Family Attachment Center.
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