Meet Nicole Rizkallah | Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Rizkallah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks feels a lot like standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon. Looking down, you might feel the vertigo of uncertainty, a terrifying sense of losing everything. But if you shift your gaze forward, you’ll see a path—a step into possibility and growth.

Risk-taking has been central to my life and career. Choosing to embrace uncertainty, whether by starting over in school, launching my business, or stepping into unfamiliar spaces, has meant resisting the fear of falling and focusing instead on what lies ahead. Each step forward has been an act of trust—in myself, in the process, and in the rewards of courage.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Orari Healing Therapy is more than a practice—it’s a place where stories matter. Rooted in person-centered care, we honor the complexity of human experiences, prioritizing people over labels or diagnoses. No two narratives are the same, and our grounded approach ensures that your unique needs guide the work we do together.

My story begins long before I was born, shaped by my family’s journey across continents. My parents were raised in Cairo, Egypt, after their families left Armenia, Syria, and Sudan. Around our dining room table, I grew up hearing vivid stories of their communal and joyful life in Egypt, steeped in rich traditions and rituals. Their memories stood in stark contrast to my experience growing up in America, where life often felt more isolated and achievement-focused. This cultural duality, along with my family’s resilience in the face of displacement, profoundly shaped my understanding of human connection and the courage it takes to heal. I’ve had to learn to forge my own path ahead in my particular place in history, and doing so has allowed me to take the best that Eastern and Western values have to help others discover their place in the world, too.

Seeking therapy can feel daunting, especially during times of uncertainty. We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming space where all are valued, while also recognizing that discomfort is a natural part of healing. Like physical therapy for the body, addressing deep trauma requires courage to face unresolved pain. At Orari, we honor that bravery, offering EMDR and EFT therapy, intensives, extended sessions, and weekend availability to support deep, meaningful change.

At the heart of Orari is a belief in the power of relationship. Therapy isn’t something we do to others; it’s something we do with others. We’re here to walk alongside you, offering a secure and trustworthy presence as you embrace the transformative power of healing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Phoenix – Urban Charm & Local Gems
* Morning: Start the day with breakfast at Matt’s Big Breakfast, a Phoenix classic known for its fresh, hearty dishes and retro diner vibe.
* Midday: Visit the Desert Botanical Garden to marvel at the stunning desert landscape and learn about native flora.
* Afternoon: Wander through the Book Gallery Phoenix, a treasure trove of new and used books, perfect for bibliophiles seeking unique finds.
* Evening: Have dinner at LATHA, a stylish spot that showcases Arizona’s innovative African-fusion dining scene. End the day with live jazz at the Wrigley Mansion, where the music and historic elegance create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Day 2: Old Town Scottsdale – History Meets Hip
* Morning: Brunch at Berdina’s in Old Town Scottsdale, a cozy spot known for its fresh ingredients and welcoming vibe.
* Midday: Explore Old Town Scottsdale, browsing boutiques, galleries, and local landmarks. Stop by the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art for a unique cultural experience.
* Evening: Dine at The House Brasserie, where the charming ambiance and incredible menu make it a perfect choice for a memorable meal.

Day 3: Flagstaff – Cool Mountain Air & Coffee Culture
* Morning: Drive to Flagstaff and enjoy breakfast at Dottie’s Garden Coffee Shop, a cozy spot for freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries, while shopping the nursery and variety of plants.
* Midday: Hit the trails at Lava River Cave for a fun and unique underground hike, or opt for the Inner Basin Trail for stunning mountain views.
* Evening: Dine at Tourist Home All Day Cafe, a beloved Flagstaff eatery serving fresh, flavorful Southwestern dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Day 4: Grand Canyon – Awe-Inspiring Adventure
* Morning: Experience one of the world’s greatest wonders with a rim-to-rim hike at the Grand Canyon. Start early to take in the breathtaking views and experience the serenity of the canyon at sunrise.
* Evening: Celebrate our adventure with dinner at the El Tovar Dining Room, a historic spot offering classic dishes and stunning canyon views.

Day 5: Sedona – Red Rocks, Wine, & Reflection
* Morning: Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, an architectural masterpiece perched among the red rocks, offering peace and sweeping vistas.
* Midday: Take a leisurely hike in Oak Creek Canyon, where the red rocks meet the soothing waters of the creek.
* Evening: Indulge in wine tasting and bites at Page Springs Cellars, enjoying local wines and scenic vineyard views.

Day 6: Phoenix – Relaxation & Entertainment
* Morning: Pack a picnic and relax at the Farm at South Mountain, a serene oasis with vibrant gardens and farm-fresh delights.
* Midday: Visit a reservation near Phoenix, such as the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, to learn about the history and culture of Arizona’s Indigenous peoples. Stop by the Huhugam Ki Museum to deepen your understanding of the region’s heritage.
* Evening: Head to the Glendale Outdoor Theater, where we’d enjoy a movie under the stars.

Day 7: Phoenix – Historic Beauty & Goodbyes
* Morning: Start the day with a visit to St. Mary’s Basilica, a historic church in downtown Phoenix, where stunning architecture meets peaceful reflection.
* Midday: Rest and visit with friends.
* Evening: End our trip with a vibrant dinner at Chilte, where the lively atmosphere and incredible menu offer the perfect farewell to Arizona. Enjoy an evening cocktail at dive bars Gracie’s Tax Bar or Swizzle Inn.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Dr. Sue Johnson grew up in a British pub owned by her grandfather, a lively gathering spot where she spent her formative years observing the intricate dynamics of human connection. From a young age, she noticed that what drew people to the bar wasn’t just the alcohol—it was the familiar and accepting face behind the counter, the comforting presence of someone who knew their stories and welcomed them anyway. These early lessons in the power of human connection planted the seeds for her lifelong quest to understand relationships.

Her journey into the mysteries of love and attachment deepened when she witnessed her father weeping at her mother’s death—despite the fact they had been divorced for years. Unable to reconcile how two people who love each other so deeply could still hurt and misunderstand each other, she embarked on a journey to unravel why love so often goes wrong. This quest eventually led her to develop Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a groundbreaking model that reshaped the field of couples therapy.

Known for her dynamic personality, sharp wit, and no-nonsense attitude, Sue is a truth-teller who doesn’t just teach about relationships—she lives and breathes them. Her authenticity resonates deeply with therapists like me, as she challenges us to see therapy not as something we do for others but as a relationship of attachment. In her words, we join our clients in their lives, walking alongside them to uncover their deepest fears and longings. I can’t imagine being a therapist in any other way.

Her profound understanding of human connection is reflected in her best-selling book Hold Me Tight, which has sold over one million copies worldwide. The book has become a cornerstone for couples seeking deeper intimacy and understanding, while EFT has earned its place as the most evidence-based approach for couples therapy, validated by decades of research.

Sue is also a masterful storyteller, weaving history, philosophy, and literature into her work to illuminate the timeless truths of human relationships. Her unique ability to draw from these rich traditions makes her teachings not only practical but profoundly resonant.

Lastly, her global impact is undeniable, with over 90 International Centers of Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFTs) established worldwide (spanning China, Russia, Ukraine, Australia, Egypt, Iran, and more). Through her work, Sue has changed how we understand love, healing, and connection, one couple, one family, and one community at a time.

Website: https://www.orarihealingtherapy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orari.healing.therapy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orari-healing-therapy

Other: https://azeftcouplesintensive.com