ABOUT

Welcome! My name is Kendra Niese

I am a licensed social worker in the state of Ohio. I am passionate about working with children and adults who are struggling with past trauma, anxiety, depression, and who want to explore what may be the root cause of their discomfort. My primary clinical modality is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR helps individuals work through past experiences, present-day symptoms, and the underlying patterns that connect them. Together, we focus on understanding not just what you are struggling with, but why it is happening, so healing can occur at a deeper, more lasting level. Many people come to therapy knowing they are struggling but unsure of the root cause of their discomfort. EMDR allows us to gently and safely access the experiences, beliefs, and nervous system responses that continue to shape current emotions, behaviors, and relationships, often outside of conscious awareness.

I believe wholeheartedly that you are the expert in your own life. I respect and honor your innate wisdom and see myself as a guide who helps you uncover what may be holding you back from living the life you desire. There is nothing wrong with you if you are struggling. Often, what you are going through is a not sign of weakness, but a sign that your nervous system and mind adapted to protect you at some point in your life. Through EMDR, we work to process what no longer needs to be carried, so your system can move out of survival and into greater safety, clarity, and stability.

Our work together is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in safety. We will walk together toward greater understanding and self-compassion, uncovering the “why” beneath your struggles while also developing tools to support you in difficult moments. 

In addition to my clinical training, I bring a deeply embodied perspective to healing. I have worked in various roles within the mental health field and have also been a licensed massage therapist for 25 years. This has given me firsthand experience of how the mind, body, and nervous system are intimately connected. I have personally known what it feels like to be overwhelmed, burdened by past experiences, and unsure how to move forward. I continue to do my own inner work, which allows me to show up with humility, presence, and authenticity in the therapeutic space.

While EMDR is my primary modality, I integrate other approaches as needed, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, play therapy techniques (with children), and traditional talk therapy. These are used to support stabilization, insight, and coping, while EMDR remains the core method for deeper trauma processing and long-term change.

I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental, safe, and supportive environment where healing happens at your pace, in your time, and in your way. If you feel like I am a good fit for you, please reach out to schedule your free 15-minute consultation or contact me at kendra@therapycincinnati.com if additional days/times are needed. I look forward to meeting you!