Nick Gowen, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP (temp.)

he/him/his

Nick Gowen is a clinical mental health counselor whose approach to counseling is rooted in the belief that empowerment, inclusivity, and meaningful connection can heal people. He works with individuals, couples, and families, and has a special interest in serving older adults, people going through major life transitions (including work, family, and home), and LGBTQ+ clients.

Other focus areas include:

Issues unique to the aging process
Relationship issues, including in nontraditional relationships
Self-esteem and identity forming
Parents and families of children who identify as LGBTQ+
Caregivers of people with physical or mental differences (including dementia and Alzheimer's)
Support for essential workers and their families

Outside of his clinical practice, Nick has been heavily involved in mental health advocacy. From 2017 to 2019 he served on the board for the Virginia Association for LGBT Issues in Counseling (VA-ALGBTIC) and organized a statewide course on trans-inclusive and gender-affirming counseling practices. He also served on the founding committee of AgeWell at Virginia Tech, an initiative to bring changes to counselor education in gerontological training, practice, and research. Nick has presented at the Association for Adult Development and Aging Conference to advocate for the expansion of gerontological counseling opportunities. The National Career Development Association has also published his work on vocational wellness in older adulthood.

Originally from Central Kentucky, Nick has spent the majority of his life in the South and is happy to call Nashville home. He lives with his husband, Mark, and their beagle, Tuck (short for "Kentucky").

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COUNSELING APPROACH

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I aim to be a fellow traveler on my clients’ journeys to healing, and I walk alongside clients as they come to understand what makes life most fulfilling for them. In my work with clients, we often explore the question: What do you want from life that you aren't getting right now?

You might want the ability to find peace in a hectic world, or to look inward, think, and reflect. You might crave more meaning and purpose in your daily life, a desire to be in relation to others, or the courage to grow into your true self. Whatever brings you to counseling, I am honored to be part of the journey.

If this is your first time in counseling—or if you've had negative experiences with mental health providers in the past —I aim to provide a comfortable, welcoming, and stigma-free space. I also work to “demystify” the process of counseling and help clients identify the strengths that they already possess. I don't try to tell people what they already know.

For those interested in my specific counseling approach, I align myself with feminist, reality, and existential theories. Not sure what that means? Don't worry. It boils down to this: I aim to instill choice and purpose in clients to empower them to be their best selves.

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