Licensed Professional Counselor

Nikoleta Giannakopoulos

LPC, NCC, MA
Therapy for Individuals & Couples ages 18+

In my sessions, I strive for that comfy, familiar feeling, like wrapping yourself in your favorite sweater, warm, cozy, and uniquely tailored to you. Therapy with me is collaborative, steady, and grounded in real connection. There’s no need to perform or have everything figured out. We simply start from where you are.

My approach is relational and holistic. I weave together evidence-based practices with curiosity and care. Together, we create space to slow down and make sense of what’s been feeling heavy, whether it’s anxiety lingering in the background, the weight of constant responsibility, relationship patterns that keep repeating, or the quiet ache of disconnection. Some sessions bring insight; others bring relief. All of it matters.

I draw from mindfulness, somatic work, attachment theory, and narrative exploration, always shaped by what feels most supportive for you. We might explore boundaries, burnout, grief, identity, trauma, or the pressure to hold everything together. 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.

This work is layered, and it’s deeply human. I believe in meeting all parts of you with respect, the tired, the tender, the unsure, and the hopeful. 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.

Healing is a journey, sometimes steady, sometimes winding, and it’s one that deserves patience and kindness. 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, with openness and care every step of the way.

About Nikoleta:

  • First-generation Greek American

  • Loves all the seasons, but there’s something about fall - the crisp air, cozy sweaters, and all things pumpkin-spiced

  • You’ll often find her recharging by getting lost in a good book or wandering through a bookstore

  • Crafting is her way to slow down and bring a bit of creativity into her day

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Narrative therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals understand and change their life stories.

  • Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the mental health needs of people suffering from the destructive effects of early trauma.

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.

“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.