Meet Nicole
Nicole Davis is the owner and director of Sequoia Counselling. She is a registered social worker (MSW, RSW), who has provided psychotherapy services to children, youth, and adults since 2009.
Therapeutic Approach to Therapy
Experience
Equine Therapy
In 2021, through her own experience with Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Nicole met Scout. Scout was a special horse who taught her firsthand how horses can help us heal [Scout’s Story].
Horses have the ability to teach us about boundaries, leadership skills, and emotion regulation. Furthermore, they model self-compassion, authenticity, assertiveness, genuine connection, and much more. Nicole was particularly amazed by how partnering with Scout and the other horses created a safe and truly nonjudgmental space. An environment where we can learn to let down our walls, and experience acceptance, forgiveness and unconditional love. We may process and heal from often debilitating emotions, such as regret, guilt, anger, and shame. She recognized how valuable partnering with horses would be for her clients, particularly those who have a hard time putting feelings into words, are more tactile in nature, or prefer learning experientially. In 2022, Nicole completed an extensive Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL)® program.
Today, Nicole continues to practice traditional counselling / psychotherapy and has officially partnered with horses to also offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Nicole draws from her experience and knowledge, as well as the wisdom and knowledge of her horse partners, to support clients in learning to overcome obstacles that they face, heal from past wounds, live life more authentically, and find purpose in their lives.
Why Sequoia?
Sequoia trees are truly inspirational. They shatter our expectations of what a tree is and is not in a way that is almost unbelievable. They are bigger than they should be, taller than they should be, older than they should be, and more resilient than they should be according to our limited understanding of what is and isn’t possible in this world. Sequoia trees have adapted to protect themselves from threats and thrive in the face of adversity in ways we might not otherwise have imagined. They literally reach for the stars, overcoming the obstacles that get in their way.
Sequoia trees are so big that you can literally drive a car through the middle of a giant sequoia trunk. There is a sense of power and prestige that comes with being a sequoia tree. However, sequoia trees are also quite vulnerable. They require nurturing to grow. They are only able to survive and thrive in particular environments. Even in the right environment, as strong and resilient as sequoia trees are, if they fall, they are known for shattering upon impact. Sequoia trees are unable to live to their potential in the absence of a nurturing environment. They remind us of the importance of taking care of ourselves and finding balance in our lives.
Sequoia Counselling draws inspiration from the sequoia tree because we too want to cultivate a balanced and nurturing environment where we can all rise above and thrive in the face of limiting thoughts, beliefs, and expectations. Sequoia Counselling draws on the spirit of the Sequoia tree to nurture the inner growth, healing, and hope needed to realign with our true selves, find meaning in our lives, and live to our fullest potential.
Vision
The goal of Sequoia Counselling is to nurture growth, healing, and hope in the moments when we feel lost, stuck, or disheartened. For if we strengthen our resiliency while continuing to preserve our ability to be genuine in our intentions, then we can learn to experience the waves of life without becoming engulfed by them.
Mission
Sequoia Counselling provides professional counselling and psychotherapy services by creating a supportive and inclusive environment that nurtures growth, healing, and hope in the hearts of those who access services, so that no one feels that they need to walk this journey alone.
Sequoia Values
EMBRACING POTENTIAL
At Sequoia Counselling, we recognize the value and potential in each person that we work with. We aim to find opportunities to overcome obstacles and build upon individual and collective strengths and resources to support each client in recognizing and embracing their potential.
AUTHENTICITY
At Sequoia Counselling, we believe in being who you are and doing what you love. We strive to be authentic and genuine in the services we provide and encourage clients to strive for authenticity in their lives.
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
At Sequoia Counselling we strive to support others along their journey toward growth, healing, and hope. This means delivering services in a professional and respectful manner and acting with the best interests of each client in mind.
INTEGRITY
Healing and growth take place when there is an optimal balance between feeling safe and pushing ourselves to take calculated risks. At Sequoia Counselling, we believe that when we practice with integrity we can foster an environment where clients feel safe enough to work towards healing and growth. Integrity means utilizing a trustworthy, transparent, consistent, and client-centred approach in line with our profession’s code of ethics and values.
CONNECTION
At Sequoia Counselling, we understand the importance of connection. We strive to build supportive, professional, and meaningful relationships with each of our clients. We create a safe space where clients can develop and practice the skills and strategies required for fostering and maintaining genuine connections and a sense of belonging in their lives.
CLINICAL COMPETENCE
Clinical competence is maintained through ongoing self-awareness and reflection, accessing regular clinical supervision and/or consultation, and thinking critically about the work we do and the services we provide. At Sequoia Counselling, we are committed to personal and professional growth and development by means of practicing self-care ourselves, staying current in the field, and taking advantage of opportunities for professional development.