Nikki Zellner, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Milwaukee WI
I am very casual in style, bringing various parts of myself into the therapeutic relationship and inviting clients to bring forward all of who they are. I utilize the therapeutic relationship as the most important intervention that can be offered and view this relationship as the most powerful medicine in treatment. When working with ketamine I use very low/psycholytic doses to very slowly explore the experience of building safety internally and relationally, supporting clients in the exploration of their nervous system, histories and inner world.
I received my master’s degree from UW-Milwaukee in Social Work and worked in community settings, research, and the veterans affairs system before settling into private practice. I taught clinical theory at the graduate school level and continue to enjoy teaching, training and providing consultation services.
I have completed the Certificate in Psychedelic Assisted Therapies and Research via the California Institute for Integral Studies, a premier yearlong certificate program where I was trained by world renowned practitioners of psychedelic medicine. I also received psychedelic specific training with Polaris Insight Center, Naropa University and Dr. Gabor Mate and have received personal mentorship and consultation from the nation’s foremost psychedelic experts. I have been a study therapist for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Phase 3 trials with MDMA for PTSD as well as several studies using psilocybin. As a MAPS certified MDMA therapist, I’m currently receiving additional training to become a trainer and consultant for the impending rescheduling of MDMA for the treatment of PTSD and have assisted in training facilitators for ongoing psilocybin clinical trials.
To continue my own growth, I receive therapy as well as providing it; I believe it is imperative to being an effective provider that one be a practicing student. I also have learned immensely about my professional field through my personal life as a mother, and my children have been my biggest teachers in life. I integrate these personal experiences into who I am as a provider, modeling holistic living in the world.
I enjoy gardening, cooking, camping and traveling. I am born and raised in small town Wisconsin which undoubtedly has influenced my casual demeanor and demonstrated in my life and work.