Nikeda Burphy, LMHC, RPT (She/Her)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Registered Play Therapist
Please Note: All of our clinicians at Puzzle Peace are equipped to work with neurodivergent and autistic individuals. Their individual bios provide additional information about their training and specialty areas. We have a team approach to treatment and will often consult as a team to provide the best care possible for your family’s individual needs.
Now accepting new clients!
I firmly believe in establishing strong connections with my clients. As a therapist, I approach counseling with the belief that each individual is unique and deserving of support. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental, welcoming space where clients can
make positive changes and restore wellness.
How I can relate
I began working with children and families in 2008 as a case manager. In that role, I
learned I wanted to work with children and families in a different capacity, one that
supported healing and growth. This experience led me to pursue becoming a mental
health counselor who specializes in helping children through their natural language,
PLAY!
Click for more info about the benefits of play therapy.
My therapeutic approach
I am dedicated to addressing a wide range of issues that can impact mental health,
including depression, PTSD, anxiety, addiction, maladaptive coping, communication,
healthy boundaries, and parenting. By utilizing a variety of counseling theories and
techniques, such as person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational
interviewing and play therapy techniques, I am able to provide personalized support to
meet the specific needs of my clients.
In my therapeutic approach, I focus on helping clients gain a deeper understanding of
themselves while providing unconditional positive regard. Together, we will set goals,
explore thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behaviors, and work collaboratively toward
achieving your desired outcomes. My ultimate goal is to assist clients in overcoming
life’s challenges and empowering them to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
My education and training
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bethune Cookman University in
Daytona Beach, Florida (2007) and my Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family
Counseling from Webster University in Irvine, California (2013).
I am a Registered Play Therapist and enjoy helping children heal through the power of play. My training also includes EMDR and Child-Parent Psychotherapy. I am a qualified supervisor in the state
of Florida who enjoys providing supervision to registered interns who desire to work with
children.
What our clients say about Nikeda
“Nikeda has had an incredible impact in my son’s life in such a short time. Before starting play therapy with Nikeda, my son was in complete therapy burnout, he would get incredibly overwhelmed when meeting any new people and he will shut down any time he was brought to any type of therapy. After only about 3 months, my son is now looking forward to his therapy sessions with Nikeda and makes plans about what toys he will bring to his play sessions with her days in advance. It is rare of us to find someone that has the right approach with our child all the while to try and push him out of his comfort zone. We are so thankful to have Nikeda in our son’s life. “
Jacksonville Mom of an Autistic 11 year old
