Charles Nichols, PhD

Training and Background

I am a licensed psychologist with 30 years of clinical practice in a large regional Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital and in the Department of Psychiatry at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). Throughout my career, I’ve focused on conducting therapy, supervising doctoral psychology residents, and developing and administering programs in the VA post-traumatic stress treatment team, where I served as Co-Director, and in the joint VA/MCG psychology residency training program, where I also served as Co-Director.

I specialize in treating trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I was a national trainer/consultant for the VA in Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE), teaching the protocol to other therapists. I am also certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Both PE and CPT are effective, evidence-based trauma treatments.

In addition to trauma treatment, I have expertise in (1) treating anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders, particularly stress related to serious medical issues, and (2) positive psychology and motivational strategies. I often weave these areas together, helping clients see strengths and motivations as they work to modify areas of distress.

My interest in motivational strategies began during my Master’s studies on career and life development and has continued throughout my career, most intensively in my graduate studies at Stanford with Dr. Martin Ford, who developed Motivational Systems Theory (MST). I collaborated further with Dr. Ford to develop two assessments based on MST: the Assessment of Core Goals (ACG) and the Assessment of Personal Goals (APG). The APG is available without charge at https://apg.gmu.edu. I have a special interest in working with clients who feel stuck, unmotivated, or deeply dissatisfied with their current life circumstances, their early-stage career, midlife, or retirement. I recently retired from the activities described above and now have the opportunity to consult in private practice. I am a licensed psychologist in Georgia and a member of Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which allows me to practice psychology in 39 states.