Meet Nicole Schutzbank | Licensed Counselor, Art Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, & Educator

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

Hi Nicole, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After years of working in diverse mental health settings, I started a business to showcase my skills and build on my niche. My passion for creativity and mental health is unique, and I felt inspired to grow my reach. I help people see their potential, encourage introspection, and heal through creativity. My business aims to support tender-hearted and creative individuals, providing them a space to process their struggles through an authentic approach. Clients often say that therapy with me feels different, and I thrive on that feedback. I believe in the transformative power of therapy and how support and encouragement from others can cause positive change and action. Watching my clients move through life experiences and gain insight inspired me to start my own business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My unique creativity and mental health integration in my therapeutic approach sets me apart from others. I am most proud of how my clients describe their experience with me and the authenticity they feel through our work together. This feedback fuels my passion and commitment to my practice. My professional journey has been shaped by years of working in diverse mental health settings. It wasn’t always easy. I faced numerous challenges, including finding my niche and balancing my creative interests with clinical practices. However, my passion for helping others and confidence in my approach helped me navigate these obstacles. I learned to embrace resilience, adaptability, and the importance of a supportive community. I want the world to know that my brand and story are built on a foundation of empathy, creativity, and authenticity. My business aims to provide a safe and nurturing space for tender and creative individuals, allowing them to process their struggles and heal through a deep and compassionate approach. My mission is to help people see their potential and support their healing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love it when people visit, and I enjoy giving tours of my favorite spots in Tucson. Mountains surround Tucson, which boasts a vibrant and culturally rich downtown area. I recommend exploring downtown’s shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants and being in nature. Walking around the El Presidio Historic District and Barrio Viejo neighborhoods is a must. Some of my favorite spots include Hotel Congress, Tucson Museum of Art, Cafe a la’Cart, The Coronet, Five Points, Locale, Time Market, Presta, Tohono Chul, Exo, and The Owl’s Club. The MSA Annex and Mercado San Agustin have unique shops and local boutiques. The downtown area is also adorned with cool street art and murals. Tucson offers incredible natural beauty and is nestled between the west and east sides of Saguaro National Park, with excellent mountain accessibility and hiking trails; check out the west side during sunset. Hike Sabino Canyon for stunning desert scenery, or drive up to Mount Lemmon for a change of scenery and cooler temperatures. The Loop is a shared-use path that winds around the city and is great for cycling or walking. Don’t miss visiting Mission San Xavier del Bac, a beautiful Spanish Catholic mission, and eat at one of the many excellent Mexican restaurants and taquerias throughout the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support, mentorship, love, and encouragement of my loved ones. My family, friends, and colleagues have helped me grow and inspired me every step of the way. I also want to dedicate this shoutout to my mentor, Dina Palma, who has significantly influenced and supported my professional development and growth.

Website: https://www.nicoleschutzbank.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendercreative

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleschutzbank/

Image Credits
Katie Corley