Licensed Professional Counselor
Nikoleta Giannakopoulos
LPC, NCC, MA
Therapy for Individuals & Couples ages 18+
I aim to create a therapy experience that feels warm, safe, and uniquely tailored to you - like wrapping yourself in your favorite cozy sweater. Therapy with me is collaborative, grounded, and focused on real connection, starting wherever you are without needing to have everything figured out.
My approach is relational and holistic, blending evidence-based practices with curiosity and care. Together, we’ll make space to explore what feels heavy, whether it’s anxiety, repeated relationship patterns, the weight of responsibility, grief, burnout, or a quiet sense of disconnection. Sessions may bring insight, relief, or both - all of it matters. I draw from mindfulness, somatic work, attachment theory, and narrative exploration, tailoring each session to what feels most supportive for you. I’ll reflect what I notice, ask thoughtful questions, and offer grounding when things feel unclear. I also bring in humor when it fits, because sometimes a bit of lightness can help us hold what’s hard. I also believe in the value of lightness and humor when it fits, helping to hold what’s hard with care.
I work to meet all parts of you with respect - the tired, the tender, the unsure, and the hopeful. Healing is a journey, sometimes steady and sometimes winding, and my hope is to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to move at your own pace. Together, we’ll honor your story and the unique path you’re on. There’s no rush and no right way to do this, just a space where you get to feel a bite more like yourself again.
A little about me:
I’m a first-generation Greek American who loves all the seasons, but fall holds a special place in my heart - crisp air, cozy sweaters, and all things pumpkin-spiced. You’ll often find me lost in a good book, wandering through a bookstore, or crafting to slow down and bring a little creativity into my day.
Top Specialties:
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Areas of Expertise:
Body Image
Body Positivity
Childhood Trauma
Codependency
Coping Skills
Couples Therapy
HAES
LGBTQ+ Identity
Life Transitions
Marital and Premarital Therapy
Neurodivergence
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
Religious Trauma
Self Esteem
Spirituality
Stress
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
Aetna
I’m in network with:
Anthem
BCBS PPO
Cigna / Evernorth
Call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com to set up an appointment or schedule a 15-minute free phone consultation.
Therapy Modalities
Used by Nikoleta
Click here for more detailed information on therapeutic modalities.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy that can help manage mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and emotional concerns, such as coping with grief or stress.
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a humanistic, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy, drawing primarily from attachment theory to facilitate the creation of secure, vibrant connection with self and others.
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Narrative therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals understand and change their life stories.
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Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the mental health needs of people suffering from the destructive effects of early trauma.
“As a first-generation therapist in a larger body, I understand what it’s like to feel both seen and unseen. I bring that lived experience into our work, especially around identity, boundaries, cultural stress, and learning to take up space.”
— Nikoleta Giannakopoulos

Questions about insurance?
Give us a call or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We can often work with insurance companies if we are out-of-network. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135.00 for a 53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help! We work with families to come up with a number that works for you.