Nicole Schwartz,

BA, CTSS, CCTSA

Certified Advocate for Domestic and Sexual Violence

Trauma-Informed Recovery Coach

Nicole Schwartz is a dynamic and dedicated Trauma-Informed Recovery Coach, well-regarded for her multifaceted expertise and deep commitment to mental health and advocacy. Holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Rutgers University, Nicole's diverse background spans various domains, enriching her coaching approach with a holistic and empathetic touch.

Nicole's strong foundation in Sports Management, coupled with her experience as a former NCAA Division One scholarship athlete for Rutgers Gymnastics, gives her unique insights into the pressures and challenges faced by athletes. Her journey as an athlete has fueled her enthusiasm for mental resilience and performance coaching, making her a relatable and inspiring figure for those seeking to overcome performance anxiety and stress.

As a Certified Advocate for Domestic and Sexual Violence, a Certified Trauma Support Specialist, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist in Addiction, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge and specialized skills to her coaching practice. Her CPR and First Aid Certification through the American Heart Association further underscores her commitment to safety and well-being.

Nicole's professional journey includes roles such as a Child Development Specialist/Developmental Intervention, where she provides specialized intervention services to children ages birth to three and their families, as well as a Physical Therapist Technician, enhancing her understanding of physical and developmental needs. Her experience as a Junior Journalist and Business Development Intern showcases her versatility and ability to connect with varied audiences.

Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Rutgers University, starting in Fall 2024, Nicole is dedicated to expanding her knowledge and impact in the field of mental health. She is highly passionate about advocating for people with disabilities, both physical and invisible. While her role is not clinical, Nicole provides psychoeducation and coping tools at a coaching level, assisting clients in bridging the gap between therapeutic sessions and providing the extra support they need.

Coaching Focus Areas

Emotional Regulation

  • Techniques for managing overwhelming emotions.

  • Tools for recognizing and processing emotions healthily.

  • Use of mindfulness and distress tolerance.

Coping Strategies

  • Personalized plans for dealing with triggers.

  • Development of healthy coping mechanisms.

  • Strategies for managing PTSD symptoms.

Trauma Support

  • Support with processing traumatic experiences in conjunction with your clinical team or therapist.

  • Empowerment through storytelling and narrative techniques.

  • Support in reclaiming personal power and agency.

Self-Compassion and Self-Care

  • Building self-compassion and reducing self-criticism.

  • Creating effective self-care routines.

  • Techniques for nurturing self-love and acceptance.

Healthy Relationships

  • Building and maintaining healthy boundaries.

  • Enhancing communication skills in personal and professional relationships.

  • Navigating intimacy and trust issues post-trauma.

Goal Setting and Achievement

  • Setting realistic and achievable goals.

  • Overcoming barriers to success.

  • Celebrating small wins and progress.

Stress Management

  • Identifying and mitigating sources of stress.

  • Techniques for relaxation and stress reduction.

  • Time management and prioritization skills.

Sleep Hygiene

  • Creating a conducive environment for sleep.

  • Techniques for overcoming nightmares and sleep disturbances.

  • Developing a consistent and healthy sleep routine.

Crisis Management

  • Immediate strategies for dealing with acute stress or panic.

  • Developing a crisis plan for times of severe distress.

  • Use of grounding techniques and safety plans.

Specialized Coaching Programs

1.Survivors of Sexual Assault

  • Emotional Support and Coping Skills

    • Providing a safe space for emotional expression and validation.

    • Techniques for managing and coping with trauma-related emotions.

    • Developing personalized coping strategies for dealing with triggers.

  • Empowerment

    • Empowering survivors to reclaim their personal power and sense of agency.

    • Building self-confidence and resilience through strengths-based coaching.

    • Encouraging self-compassion and self-care practices.

  • Resources and Support Networks

    • Connecting survivors with community resources and support groups.

    • Providing information on legal, medical, and psychological support services.

    • Helping survivors build a network of supportive individuals and resources.

2. Domestic Violence Survivors

  • Safety Planning and Empowerment

    • Creating personalized safety plans.

    • Empowering survivors to regain independence and self-sufficiency.

    • Strategies for rebuilding confidence and self-worth.

  • Emotional Support and Coping Skills

    • Providing a supportive space for emotional expression and validation.

    • Techniques for managing and coping with trauma-related emotions.

    • Developing healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with ongoing challenges.

  • Resources and Support Networks

    • Connecting survivors with community resources and support groups.

    • Providing information on legal, medical, and psychological support services.

    • Helping survivors build a network of supportive individuals and resources.

3. Childhood Abuse Survivors

  • Healing Past Wounds

    • Techniques for understanding and addressing the impact of childhood trauma in conjunction with your clinical team or therapist.

    • Strategies for self-soothing and building emotional resilience.

    • Tools for recognizing and challenging negative self-beliefs.

  • Re-parenting Techniques

    • Strategies for nurturing and caring for your inner child.

    • Developing self-compassion and positive self-talk.

    • Exercises for creating a sense of safety and security within yourself.

  • Long-Term Healing Strategies

    • Building a personalized plan for ongoing healing and growth.

    • Techniques for maintaining progress and preventing setbacks.

    • Support in integrating new, healthy behaviors into daily life.

4. LGBTQ+ Trauma Recovery

  • Support tailored to the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Addressing discrimination, stigma, and identity-related trauma.

  • Building resilience and community connections.

  • Providing resources and support networks for LGBTQ+ individuals.

5. Betrayal Trauma

  • Healing from infidelity, trust issues, and relational trauma.

  • Rebuilding trust and security in relationships.

  • Support groups and individual coaching for shared experiences.

6. Victims of Narcissistic Abuse

  • Recognizing and understanding narcissistic abuse.

  • Strategies for breaking free from manipulative relationships.

  • Healing self-esteem and rebuilding self-worth.

Performance Coaching for Athletes

Mental Resilience

  • Techniques for maintaining focus and composure under pressure.

  • Strategies for overcoming performance anxiety.

  • Building mental toughness and resilience.

Stress Management

  • Techniques for managing the stress of being an athlete.

  • Balancing athletic commitments with other life priorities.

  • Strategies for dealing with pressure from family and coaches.

Goal Setting and Achievement

  • Setting and achieving athletic goals.

  • Tracking progress and making adjustments.

  • Celebrating milestones and successes.

Time Management

  • Effective time management skills for balancing sports, academics, and personal life.

  • Prioritization techniques to ensure comprehensive development.

  • Creating schedules that accommodate all responsibilities.

Injury Recovery

  • Psychological support during physical recovery.

  • Techniques for maintaining motivation and confidence.

  • Strategies for a successful return to sport.

Anxiety Coaching

Managing Anxiety Symptoms

  • Identifying and understanding anxiety triggers.

  • Techniques for reducing and managing anxiety.

  • Use of cognitive-behavioral strategies and mindfulness.

Building Coping Skills

  • Developing healthy coping mechanisms.

  • Creating a personalized anxiety management plan.

  • Techniques for grounding and staying present.

Lifestyle Changes

  • Incorporating lifestyle changes to reduce anxiety.

  • Building a routine that promotes mental wellness.

  • Techniques for improving sleep and exercise.

Family Dynamics and Youth Coaching

Family Dynamics

  • Improving communication and relationships within the family.

  • Addressing and resolving family conflicts.

  • Building a supportive and nurturing family environment.

  • Helping families navigate and support trauma recovery.

  • Serving as a coach to families while their loved one is in treatment to help them make changes they would like to make before their loved one returns home. This enables them to have their emotional needs met and learn tools that will help them set and maintain boundaries once their loved one returns home.

Child and Adolescent Coaching

  • Supporting children and teens in dealing with trauma and anxiety in conjunction with their therapist.

  • Techniques for building resilience and self-esteem.

  • Support for academic and social challenges.

  • Developing social skills.

  • Working with parents to create a cohesive support system.

Case Management and Advocacy

  • Managing a full range of case management for clients, ensuring they receive comprehensive medical and clinical care when needed.

  • Serving as an advocate while clients are in treatment to make sure their needs and their families' needs are met.

  • Helping clients navigate the treatment world and coaching them through every step of their journey.