About Nidhi Tewari, LCSW
Hi there! My name is Nidhi Tewari and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) located in Richmond’s West End with specialized training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I am an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Advance Trainer, which indicates extensive training, skill, and specialization.
I believe that embracing your true, authentic self is the product of healing the wounds and traumas of the past. Anxiety and trauma present themselves as memories that intrude while at school or work, negative thoughts towards yourself or others, nightmares that recur, stomach aches and headaches, and the feelings of guilt, shame, anger, and sadness. Anxiety and trauma symptoms can feel inescapable, and it can feel as though you are in quick sand, sinking deeper each day.
As the mind and body heal through therapy, the paths towards new ways of living and thinking are paved. I believe that you have the ability to heal within yourself, and that with my specialized training in EMDR and my compassionate, non-judgmental, humorous demeanor, I am able to serve as the guide to unlocking that healing potential.
My Experience and Training
I went to Virginia Commonwealth University for my Master in Social Work (MSW) degree, and have dedicated my career and life to helping children, adolescents, and adults who are survivors of trauma and those who struggle with anxiety. I have worked as a therapist in several settings, including hospitals, community service board outpatient therapy clinics, schools, and in private practice.
I am an EMDRIA Certified Therapist, which indicates that I have advanced training and expertise in using EMDR therapy with more complex cases, in treating trauma and anxiety in children and adolescents, and in healing relational attachment wounds. I also teach other therapists how to utilize EMDR effectively with their clients.
To become an EMDRIA Certified Therapist, therapists must complete at least 50 EMDR therapy sessions with 25 different clients, though I have completed almost triple that number over the years. EMDRIA Certified Therapists also complete 20 consultation hours with EMDR therapy experts to develop their skills, and there are additional requirements to ensure therapists show mastery in this intervention. Visit www.EMDRIA.org for more information.
In addition, I am an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Advanced EMDR Trainer, and I provide EMDR therapy consultation to other EMDR therapists who want to grow. I help guide EMDR therapists in their use of EMDR with clients, and I assist in developing their knowledge and skills. Providing a sounding board and mentorship to other EMDR therapists is a passion of mine, and I love the mutual growth that happens in the consultant-consultee relationship.
I am presenting at the 2023 EMDRIA Conference, and I have also provided training on EMDR concepts and trauma informed care to clinicians at VCU Health, Henrico Area Mental Health, the Virginia Association of School Social Workers, and other agencies.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you would like me to present to your agency or team, and I can cater to your group’s needs.
Finally, I am a field instructor for the VCU School of Social Work, and love providing supervision and guidance to undergraduate and masters level social work students. I love mentoring and teaching the next generation of social workers, and I feel inspired each time I meet with my supervisees.
My Own Authentic Life
I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from George Mason University, and I received a full scholarship for my undergraduate studies as a University Scholar. I took a break from school for a year and worked with children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and I served as a personal caregiver for individuals with disabilities. These experiences sparked my passion for helping others and led to my pursuit of an MSW degree.
I am a lover of music of all types, have played the drums for over 10 years, and have sang for even longer. I have rocked the stage many times alongside my husband, and I love embracing my creative and artsy side.
My laid-back nature creates a space for you to come as you are, and I am the type of therapist who will drop the occasional curse word with adults I am working with when the time feels right-- my office is a non-judgmental space for both of us to be authentic.
As a foodie and locavore, I love Richmond and see this beautiful city on the river as the place my soul feels happiest. I love the energy of the people here, and the acceptance of all who live here. I am an LGBTQ+ ally, and pride myself in accepting people from all walks of life.
My husband and I are avid travelers, and we have loved hiking in the Rocky Mountains, Smoky Mountains, and Blue Ridge Mountains. We look forward to seeing the rest of the USA and traveling the world!
