Life & Work with Nicole Eckles of Colorado Springs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Eckles.

Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always known that I wanted to work with kids, and at the same time I felt a strong pull toward psychology and therapy. For a long time, I went back and forth between becoming a teacher and becoming a therapist because both felt meaningful to me. Eventually, I chose therapy because I wanted to support families and help them navigate challenges together.

When I started graduate school, I discovered play therapy, and that moment changed everything for me. I realized that this approach combined my love for working with children with my desire to provide therapeutic support in a way that felt natural and effective for them.

During my internship, I was placed in a setting focused on trauma work. Honestly, it wasn’t my top choice of placement. But it turned out to be the experience that shaped me the most. I discovered how much I love helping children and families heal from trauma, and it gave me a sense of purpose I hadn’t felt before. From there, everything unfolded organically, and now here I am, getting to do what I love every day. It’s been an incredible journey of learning, growing, and finding the work that truly aligns with my heart.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Trauma work is never a smooth road, every day brings new challenges and requires flexibility, empathy, and resilience. But if I had to name the toughest challenge, nothing compares to navigating the impact of COVID-19! Overnight, working with kids shifted from in-person playrooms to virtual sessions, and that was no small feat. It demanded patience, creativity, and a deep trust in the therapeutic process, all while managing the frustrations of technology and the limitations of remote connection.
And honestly, giving a preschooler a device and expecting them to engage? That’s an adventure in itself! Half the time their camera was pointed at the ceiling, and other times we’d spend a good chunk of the session on a grand tour of their house while they introduced me to their dogs, siblings, favorite toys, and all. Those moments, though, were incredible because they gave me a window into their world that therapy in my office never could. That season taught me so much about adaptability and reminded me that connection isn’t about the setting so much as it is about meeting kids where they are… sometimes literally in their living room.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the Clinical Director at Safe Passage Children’s Advocacy Center in Colorado Springs, where I get to lead an amazing team that supports kids and families who’ve experienced abuse or trauma. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, but my heart has never been in couples work, it’s always been in working with children and the people who care for them.

I have a postgraduate certificate in counseling children and adolescents, along with specialized training in play therapy and trauma-focused approaches. Most of my work has centered around helping kids make sense of what they’ve been through in ways that feel natural and safe for them- whether that’s through play, creativity, or simply slowing down and meeting them in their world.

What I’m most proud of is being able to create spaces where kids feel truly seen and supported. I think what sets me apart is my blend of clinical knowledge and the ability to genuinely connect with young people so therapy feels less like a clinical appointment and more like a trusting, healing relationship.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’m a proud Colorado native, and Colorado Springs has always felt like home. What I love most about our city is the incredible balance it offers—beautiful outdoor spaces, easy access to the mountains, and endless opportunities for fun. Whether it’s a date night with my husband or an adventure with my kids, there’s always something new to explore, and I really appreciate that variety!

If I had to name something I like least, it would be how quickly we’re growing. With that growth, we’ve lost a little of the small-town sense of connection that used to make this community feel so close-knit. Between the traffic and busier spaces, it can feel harder to stay connected. But even with those changes, Colorado Springs still has so much heart, and I feel truly lucky to call it home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.safepassagecac.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safe_passage_cac/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPCAC/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/safe-passage-childrens-advocacy-center/