Hidden Gems: Meet Nicole Carey of Empowering Solutions Counseling

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

Hi Nicole, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Empowering Solutions Counseling was founded out of my desire to help people. I’ve always had a passion for serving my community. After graduating from Wayne State in 1999 with a Bachelor of Art in Psychology, I started my career in the field of Human Services, as a Case Manager with Children’s Aid Society. A little over a year later, I joined the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, where I spent over twenty-three years supporting families. In my roles as Family Independence Specialist and later as an Assistance Payment Supervisor, I worked closely with clients to help them achieve self- sufficiency through employment and education opportunities.

Throughout my career, I have always felt a calling to make a deeper impact. To help individuals not only achieve goals, but truly thrive and live the life they desired. That calling became even clearer when I sought counseling for myself. The process gave me a new level of self-awareness and clarity, and it inspired me to take the next step in my own journey. I went on to earn a Master of Arts in Counseling from Oakland University, which eventually led me to establish Empowering Solutions Counseling in 2016.

At its core, my business was born from both professional experience and personal transformation—a desire to empower others the same way I was empowered.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As the owner and therapist of Empowering Solutions Counseling, the journey has not always been easy to build the practice. When I first opened my practice in 2016, there was still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health. Many people were hesitant to seek help, and it was challenging to reach those who needed support the most.

But in 2020, everything began to shift. The world was faced with so much—COVID-19, racial tension, uncertainty—and people started to see how vital mental and emotional well-being truly are. That period, though difficult, opened the door for deeper conversations about healing and self-care.

It reminded me why I started in the first place—to create a safe space where people could show up as their authentic selves, find hope, and begin their journey toward healing.

Another challenge I faced early on was becoming credentialed with commercial insurances and Medicaid. The process was long and often frustrating. The waiting period made it difficult to serve clients who wanted counseling but needed to use their insurance, which was disheartening because I knew the need was there.”

Thankfully, after perseverance and patience, I’m now credentialed with several insurance providers. That step has opened the door for so many more people in the community to access the support they deserve.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Empowering Solutions Counseling, offers individual, couples and family counseling services. We also offer seminars and workshops on mental well-being topics to corporations and social and emotional learning to students in school districts.

As a therapist, I work with individuals dealing with anxiety and depression, and I’m passionate about helping people strengthen their self-esteem and confidence. I also place a special focus on women’s wellness, including breast health and emotional healing.

Empowering Solutions Counseling stands out by offering truly personalized care. From the very first intake session, we take time to listen, understand each client’s unique needs, and ensure their well-being remains our top priority. Our goal is to support every client in achieving their desired mental wellness and personal growth.

Through our trainings and seminars, we empower individuals, schools and organizations to strengthen confidence and self-esteem. Using our Authentically You, workbook and other transformative resources, we equip participants with practical tools and strategies to embrace self-acceptance, recognize their enough, and step into their full potential with confidence and self-love.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
As the owner and therapist, my goal over the next five years is to expand our impact through offering new products and services to individuals, school district and corporations across the country.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://WWW.EmpoweringSolutionsCounseling.com
• Instagram: @empoweringsolutionscounseling
• Facebook: @empoweringsolutionscounseling
• LinkedIn: @Empowering Solutions Counseling
• Youtube: @NicoleCarey-LPC