Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Ivelevitch.
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey has been deeply personal and transformative, and it’s shaped the way I approach my work as a therapist. I struggled with bulimia and anorexia from ages 13 to 19, which led me to residential treatment in 2014. That experience was pivotal—it not only helped me toward recovery but also sparked a passion for helping others find their way to healing.
While continuing my own recovery, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in community health from Hofstra University. Motivated to make a difference, I pursued my master’s in social work at Stony Brook University. Since then, I’ve worked with diverse clients across outpatient, IOP/PHP, and residential settings, becoming a licensed social worker in both New York and New Jersey.
About a year and a half ago, I moved to Florida and continued my work with Collaborative Minds Psychotherapy LLC, a New Jersey-based private practice, through virtual therapy. Recently, I took an exciting step in my career by acquiring office space in Longwood, FL, where I am now accepting clients as a registered clinical social work intern.
I specialize in eating disorders, body image issues, anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, trauma, and general life stressors. Beyond individual therapy, I run a virtual Tween Girls Group for ages 11–13, focusing on friendship challenges, anxiety, self-esteem, and more.
My personal experiences have fueled my commitment to creating a safe, compassionate space where individuals can work toward recovery and growth. It’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support others on their own paths to healing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but every challenge has taught me something invaluable. Balancing my own recovery while stepping into the role of helping others was one of the earliest and most profound challenges I faced, and today I feel grateful to be able to consider myself fully recovered.
Advocating for eating disorders has also been a significant challenge. It’s a mental illness that is often overlooked or misunderstood, despite its prevalence and the devastating toll it can take. Social media, can also perpetuate harmful ideals and make recovery feel even more daunting for those struggling. Combating these narratives and spreading the message of hope and recovery requires constant effort.
Despite these hurdles, I’ve found immense fulfillment in seeing the impact of this work—not just in the progress of my clients but also in contributing to a larger conversation about mental health and recovery. Each challenge has reinforced my passion for helping others and advocating for those who feel unseen.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a therapist, my work revolves around creating a safe and supportive space for individuals to navigate life’s challenges and heal from past wounds. I specialize in treating eating disorders, body image issues, anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, trauma, and general life stressors. I’m also passionate about supporting young people and run a virtual Tween Girls Group for ages 11–13, focusing on self-esteem, anxiety, and friendship dynamics.
What sets me apart is my personal connection to the work I do. Having experienced and fully recovered from an eating disorder, I understand firsthand the complexities of these struggles. This perspective helps me approach therapy with a unique blend of empathy, lived experience, and professional expertise. I strive to create an environment where clients feel seen, heard, and understood—especially when addressing issues like eating disorders, which are often misunderstood or minimized.
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is being able to embody recovery in my own life while guiding others toward it. I also have a passion for continuing to hone my skills and expand my professional knowledge, so I am constantly taking courses or trainings that I think will benefit my clients. For example, within the past year I have become a Certified Youth Mental Health Specialist and have also become trained in nutrition and mental health.
My approach is rooted in authenticity, warmth, and collaboration. I believe in meeting my clients where they are, helping them navigate challenges at their own pace, and celebrating their progress along the way. The relationships I build with my clients, along with the transformations I witness, are what drive my passion for this work every day.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My best advice for finding a mentor (or for networking in general) is to put yourself out there. If you find a professional who seems to align with your values and goals, take the leap and send them a message! I have made a lot of professional connections through List Servs, Facebook groups, Instagram, or by attending in-person trainings. It is also really helpful to stay connected with people who you have either gone to school with or worked with in the past.
Pricing:
- Sliding scale and low-fee availability
Contact Info:
- Website: www.collaborativeminds.net
- Instagram: @mind.body.nicole
- Other: https://calendly.com/collaborative-minds-intake/intake-call
