We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lillian “Nikki” Hurley-Hines, MA, LPC, LMHC. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lillian “Nikki” below.
Lillian “Nikki”, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
As a mental health therapist, self-care is essential for me – it’s the foundation of my work. To help my clients, I need to take care of myself first. Over the last year and a half, meditation has been my main form of self-care. As someone who experiences anxiety, it’s allowed me to slow my racing thoughts and be present. I also enjoy reading, and I find art to be a wonderful creative outlet. These practices help me stay grounded and keep my energy aligned so I can show up fully for myself and my clients.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a mental health therapist and hypnotherapist, and my goal is to help people grow and transform their lives. The most exciting part of this work is the deep connection I form with my clients. Authenticity is central to everything I do, and I strive to create an open, supportive environment for everyone I work with.
Earlier this year, I began offering hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that helps clients identify and overcome mental blocks, and I often integrate it with traditional therapy to help clients get unstuck and move forward. It’s rewarding to witness clients break through barriers, heal their inner child, and embrace positive change. By combining these approaches, I offer a holistic experience that meets clients where they’re at.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, dedication, and motivation. Resilience has allowed me to keep going through the ups and downs, always finding ways to bounce back when things don’t go as planned. Dedication has been key in building my practice and staying committed to my clients’ growth. My motivation to help people has kept me focused on building my practice, and it’s what drives me to continually improve my skills, expand my knowledge, and serve my clients.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice is simple: learn everything you can about the business you’re starting and use all available resources. When I started my business, I connected with my local Small Business Development Center, and their support was invaluable. The SBDC is a free resource that helped me figure out the structure of my business and refine my marketing approach. Whether it’s finding guidance through mentorship or tapping into local resources, leveraging the help around you can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of building a business.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal clients are those who experience anxiety, particularly high achievers and people-pleasers who often feel overwhelmed by the pressure they place on themselves. These clients are typically looking to break free from perfectionism and the fear of failure, and they’re ready to explore ways to manage their anxiety while embracing a more balanced and authentic life. I also work with clients who are experiencing depression, grief, trauma, or relationship distress, helping them process their emotions and navigate challenging life experiences. Ultimately, my ideal client is open to self-exploration and ready to create lasting change in their life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.resilientrootspsychotherapy.com
- Instagram: @resilientrootspsychotherapy
Image Credits
Lynette Garber
