Welcome to Harbor of Hope Counseling: My Journey, My Practice, and What You Can Expect

Waves come and go, but the light remains steady.

Thanks for stopping by

This is my very first blog post, and I wanted it to be a simple introduction—from me to you. Whether you're new to counseling or searching for the right fit, I’m glad you’re here.

This blog is a way for you to get to know me a bit—before (or even after) we ever talk.

My Journey to Therapy

Like most kids, I had a rotating list of what I wanted to be when I grew up. Then I discovered Law & Order: SVU. What drew me in wasn’t just the drama—it was watching people like Elliot Stabler show up for others in need. That stuck with me. I didn’t know exactly what it meant at the time, but I knew I wanted to help people through the hard stuff.

So, I went to college for Criminal Justice and Psychology. As I got deeper into the program, I realized I wasn’t cut out to be a big, tough “cop guy.” But I did find myself completely drawn to the psychology classes I took during my freshman year.

As I learned more, I also started to recognize some of my own patterns—especially around anxiety. I’ve had my share of racing thoughts, restlessness, and moments that felt heavier than I could explain. That experience deepened my curiosity and compassion for what people often carry in silence.

Eventually, I dropped the Criminal Justice track and fully shifted my degree.

Sometimes the right direction doesn't feel clear until you're already moving.

So what about Law & Order: SVU, you might ask? By my senior year, I discovered that there are real people who get to sit in quiet offices, talk one-on-one with others, and help them navigate the hard stuff. It might look a little different than my favorite show—but I knew that was the path I was meant to follow.

My Training and Background

I went to school about two hours from my hometown and earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Husson University—go Eagles! Thanks to my earlier Criminal Justice courses, I was able to fill in some elective slots and graduate on time in four years.

During my senior year, I had the opportunity to sit with students and faculty in Husson’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. That experience introduced me more deeply to the profession of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs), and I knew it was the right next step.

After applying, I was accepted into the Master’s program, where I completed extensive clinical coursework that truly helped shape the counselor I am today. The program included both a practicum and a longer, more intensive internship in the field. Following that, I passed my licensing exam and became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor – Conditional (LCPC-C).

I spent the next two years under the supervision of an incredibly skilled and supportive clinical supervisor at a local agency. During that time, I worked as a Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit Clinician before transitioning into an Outpatient Therapist Consultant role.

After completing my clinical hours and meeting all the licensing requirements, I sat for the national exam—and passed—earning full licensure as a Clinical Professional Counselor. From there, I spent three years as a School-Based Clinician before eventually stepping out to open my own private practice.

My Practice and Approach

After years of working in crisis, outpatient, and school settings, I wanted to create a space that felt steady and supportive—something that offered both clinical expertise and genuine human connection. That’s what led me to start Harbor of Hope Counseling.

Why the name? First off—I love the ocean. Living near the St. Croix River and just minutes from the coast, the water has always been a grounding, calming presence in my life. When I was naming my practice, I wanted something that reflected that same feeling of calm, safety, and hope. A harbor is a place where ships can pause, take shelter, and refuel before heading back into open waters—and that’s exactly the kind of space I hope this counseling practice can be for you.

Processing doesn’t always look like talking. Sometimes it looks like sitting quietly with a book and the sea.

I provide telehealth counseling to individuals, couples, and families across Maine. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship stress, or major life changes, my goal is to be a grounding presence through it all. Counseling with me isn’t about fixing you—because you’re not broken. It’s about helping you better understand yourself, build on your strengths, and move toward the kind of change you’re ready for.

I work with children, teens, adults, and families—but I’m especially passionate about supporting men who are facing emotional struggles they may not always feel permission to talk about. So many people (especially men) carry a lot silently—and I believe counseling can offer something different: a space where you don’t have to perform, prove, or hide.

My approach blends several evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Counseling, and Strength-Based techniques. I also integrate tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Psychodynamic approaches, depending on your unique needs. But above all, I keep it real—counseling with me is collaborative, conversational, and even leaves room for a little humor.

I believe healing happens in safe, supportive spaces where people feel seen and respected. My role isn’t to tell you what to do—it’s to walk alongside you as you explore, grow, and reconnect with your own strength.

Counseling isn’t just for one type of person or problem. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship stress, family conflict, or major life changes, my role is to be a steady, grounding presence.

Sharing What I’ve Learned (and Still Am)

As I continue writing for you, I hope you’ll get to know me more—while also gaining insight into topics like what counseling is, anxiety, depression, the impact of trauma, different counseling approaches, setting boundaries, emotional regulation, relationships, personal growth, and the everyday struggles that come with mental health.

Some posts will offer practical tools, and others might be more reflective—but all of them will come from a place of honesty, compassion, and the real-life work of being human. My hope is that this blog becomes a space where you feel seen, supported, and maybe even a little more grounded.

A Closing Note

I created Harbor of Hope Counseling to offer something simple but often hard to find—real, supportive, human connection. If something in this first blog resonates with you, and you feel I might be the right counselor for you, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Whether you’re reaching out for yourself, your child, or someone you care about, you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. You just need a place to start—and I’m here when you’re ready.

👉 Click here to contact me when you feel ready to take that next step.

With care,

Nate

The light might look different at the end of the day—but it’s still there.