Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Swartz.
Hi Nicole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I actually knew I wanted to be a therapist from a really young age—around 13. I had my first experience in therapy then, and it was such a positive and meaningful one. I remember feeling so seen and supported by my therapist, and it really stuck with me. Even before that, I was always the friend people came to when they needed someone to talk to. Listening and helping others just came naturally to me, and it gave me a sense of fulfillment that never went away.
I went on to study psychology at Florida Atlantic University for my bachelor’s degree and stayed there to earn my Master’s in Social Work. Since then, I’ve spent over 15 years working in the mental health field—starting in community mental health, then moving into substance abuse treatment, and eventually private practice.
Today, I own my own practice, Armonia Therapy, where I provide individual therapy, and I also run an online coaching business in the wellness space. It’s been really rewarding to create spaces where people can feel safe to heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been easy. There were entry-level jobs early in my career that really made me question whether I was on the right path. Looking back now, I’m so grateful I didn’t let those challenges push me away, because those experiences taught me some of the most valuable lessons I’ve ever learned.
This field can feel like an uphill climb at times. Most of us come into it with the goal of eventually building a private practice, but there’s a lot of growth that happens along the way. Those early roles—the tough ones—helped me build resilience, deepen my empathy, and truly understand what it takes to support people in meaningful ways.
We’ve been impressed with Anti-Diet Therapist, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Over the years, I began to notice a recurring theme among the women I worked with—so many were struggling with their relationship with food and their bodies. These challenges often stemmed from early messages they absorbed in childhood, whether through media or by observing their own mothers’ complicated relationships with food and body image.
Seeing this pattern inspired Anti-Diet Therapist and, eventually, the Anti-Diet Mom Method. When I began researching resources for women who wanted to heal from diet culture, I realized that most programs focused almost exclusively on nutrition or behavior change, while the deeper emotional and psychological aspects—the true heart of the struggle—were often overlooked.
Through my work today, I help women break free from the generational cycle of diet culture by addressing the mental and emotional roots of their relationship with food and body image. The Anti-Diet Mom Method is about empowering women to not only heal themselves, but also to model a healthier, more compassionate approach for their children—so the cycle ends with them.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve been inspired by so many people over the years, but Anti-Diet Therapist has truly been fueled by the people closest to me. My inner circle has been my biggest cheerleaders—they’ve kept me grounded and confident, especially during the moments of doubt that naturally come with doing work that pushes against the grain. Whenever I start to feel discouraged or met with resistance, they’re the ones who remind me how important this mission really is.
This work is also deeply personal to me. It was born out of my own experience with an eating disorder and the long, hard process of healing. I know firsthand how painful it can be to live in that struggle, and I also know how freeing it feels to finally make peace with your body and food. That’s what keeps me passionate—helping others find that same sense of freedom and self-acceptance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.antidiet-therapist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antidiet_therapist/
