Nikki Stephens, LLMSW
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
Clinical Specialities
Athletic & Performance Counseling, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Grief & Loss, Relationship Issues, Identity Exploration, Stress, Burnout, LGBTQ+ therapy
Ann Arbor / Virtual
Get to know Nikki
(she/her they/them)
What brings you into the field of social work/therapy?
As a former D1 Track & Field athlete, I know the pressure of chasing big goals while trying to take care of yourself. When every practice, meal, and second mattered, therapy gave me something I didn’t even realize I needed: the space to slow down, breathe, and find joy in the process. It helped me navigate my own struggles with mental health, identity, and the weight of high expectations.
That experience changed everything for me. It made me realize how powerful it is to have someone walk alongside you through life’s challenges. While I understand the unique mental demands of athletes and other individuals in high pressure environments, my passion for mental health goes far beyond sports. No matter who you are or what you're facing, performance anxiety, relationship struggles, self-acceptance, or just feeling stuck, you deserve a place to process, heal, and grow.
I became a therapist to create that space for others, just like it was created for me.
What are some of your favorite mental health topics right now?
Impact of coach-athlete and performer relationships on mental health and performance
The mind-body connection & managing stress for better mental health
How early childhood experiences and relationship dynamics shape adult mental health
What population(s) are you interested in working with?
While I have a deep appreciation for working with current and former athletes, individuals in high-pressure environments (including students, professionals, and creatives), and members of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, I welcome all those seeking support. Mental health has no face or identity.
What kinds of services are you interested in?
Athletic & Performance Counseling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Polyvagal Theory, Narrative Therapy, Relational Therapy Models
What does “BLND” mean to you?
BLND embodies the importance of diversity and person-centered care. Mental Health care at times can drift towards one-size-fits-all models that work in the short term but not for long-term care. While there is a place for this kind of care, BLND focuses on the diversity and individuality of life and society and that people should have care options and practitioners that are at times just as diverse. We are a group of practitioners with many different specialties and backgrounds that merge together to create a practice that is holistic and can cater to a fuller spectrum of life.
