Nicole is a tour de force in the world of transpersonal, liberation, humanistic, and gestalt therapy! She’s a liberation therapist based in Longmont, CO, and is a professor in clinical counseling Master’s level programs, where her students call her “Professor X.”

I’ve known Nicole for years, and was so excited to do this photoshoot at the Denver Botanic Gardens with her. She has a unique style - covered in tats and has a signature messy bun - that is backed up with a brilliant mind and making waves in the world of counseling.

We had a great photoshoot day, full of gardens, Philipino ube coffee, and of course amazing photos!

Meet Nicole Xenos: A Transpersonal Liberation Therapist & Counseling Professor based in Longmont, CO

Nicole Xenos, MA, LPC, PhD-C, is not your typical therapist. With a rich background in transpersonal and humanistic therapy, she uses an innovative approach to liberatory counseling and decolonizing therapy that is not only transforming the mental health field but also inspiring her students and clients alike. Nicole’s work, which focuses on supporting individuals affected by narcissistic abuse and other forms of psychological trauma, is underpinned by a commitment to social justice and cultural responsiveness.

With her tattoos, piercings, and signature messy bun, she brings a fresh, edgy vibe to the field. But don’t let that fool you—she’s a powerhouse in the world of transpersonal and humanistic therapy. As a professor in clinical counseling programs, she’s shaping the next generation of therapists and training them in the Gestalt Therapy method. Nicole was my own Gestalt professor in my clinical counseling master’s program, and I can attest to the power of her wisdom, presence, and insights as a supervisor. Her guidance as a professor shaped who I became as a therapist, and those skills have translated over to my photography - learning to genuinely be present with someone and hold space for their authentic experience.

Nicole’s approach to counseling and teaching is deeply personal, deeply transformative, and deeply needed. So when she reached out for a branding photoshoot, we knew we had to capture not just her professional side, but her whole self—the mentor, the advocate, the trailblazer.

And honestly? It was a blast.

Learn more about Nicole at paintedonehealing.com and follow her on instagram at @painted_one_healing.

Choosing the Perfect Branding Photoshoot Location: Denver Botanic Gardens

When planning a branding photoshoot for therapists, the location is just as important as the subject. And picking the right spot for a photoshoot is kind of like picking the right therapist—it has to fit. For Nicole, the Denver Botanic Gardens was the perfect match. With its mix of vibrant flowers, serene pathways, and natural light, it gave us a backdrop that felt alive and full of energy—just like her. It also offers lots of variety in backdrops that can be used on therapist websites and marketing materials.

We shot on a beautiful day with a bright blue sky. The gardens gave us tons of variety, from lush greenery to structured architectural details, which meant we could switch up the vibe without ever leaving the location. It was the ideal setting to highlight Nicole’s flirty, empowered, and totally authentic personality.

The Denver Botanic Gardens is one of my favorite venues for photoshoots because of this variety of settings, but also because it’s beautiful year round. There are spots that look like you’re way out in nature, some hidden spots that look like you’re in an urban setting, there’s art, there’s floral scenes, there’s water, there’s indoor stairwells and benches - you name it, they’ve got it. For counselors, this is helpful because you can showcase your presence in different settings, and pick a specific vibe that matches your brand.

Crafting a Distinct Visual Identity Through Styling that Matched Nicole’s Vibe

Nicole’s style is as unique as her approach to therapy, and for this shoot we wanted to align her authentic self with her professional brand. We decided on three outfits that could be easily swapped throughout the shoot, based on what looked best in the location. By switching out a black “decolonize mental health” sweater (found on the Inclusive Therapists shop here), an open blue chambray top, and a classic white button down, we didn’t have to change full outfits to get completely different looks. Nicole kept her black denim, messy bun with blue highlights, and combat boots on for the whole shoot, which matched everything. It’s so easy to get a huge variety of looks in a short amount of time!

We were able to balance her urban, edgy aesthetic with a polished, professional look. Each look felt like her—confident, approachable, and a little totally unconventional. Nicole’s personal style, accentuated by her tattoos, piercings, and signature messy bun with Betty Page bangs, adds a bold contrast to the traditional image of a therapist. This blend of professional and personal style is central to my therapist branding photography, which values authenticity over staged perfection or the stiffness of traditional corporate headshots.

To further highlight her brand, we incorporated one of Nicole’s favorite props—a copy of Decolonizing Therapy by Jennifer Mullan. It wasn’t just a book; it was a statement.

This book not only symbolizes her commitment to liberatory counseling but also serves as a visual cue for prospective clients and colleagues who share her passion for social justice in therapy. It spoke to her commitment to social reflexivity and her passion for creating a more inclusive mental health field.

By integrating meaningful props and a thoughtful wardrobe, the session created a cohesive look that really resonates with her audience. And let’s not forget her tattoos and piercings, which added a layer of authenticity that you just can’t fake.

A Personal Connection: Why Nicole Chose still / space Branding & Photography

Nicole and I go way back— she was “Professor X” to me in my own clinical counseling master’s program. She taught my Gestalt therapy classes, where I learned how to be genuinely present with clients in the therapy room, a skillset that has translated to my photoshoots with clients.

She is earning the PhD I plan to get myself, and has been a wonderful supervisor for me as a developing therapist. I have always considered her a mentor of mine, so when she reached out to still / space for photos and branding support, I was eager to work with her!

I have always loved her style/wardrobe/general vibe, and was really excited to get to capture her authentic beautify and true brilliance (seriously, she’s smart af) in this photoshoot.

Since she’s seen me in action, both in the classroom and in therapy sessions, so she knew I’d bring that same level of care and attention to her photoshoot. This connection allowed for a relaxed and confident environment, essential for capturing genuine, high-quality images. With our mutual understanding of the therapeutic process and the importance of authenticity in branding, Nicole was able to express her true self during the shoot.

And honestly, that’s why I love working with therapists. I get what you do because I’ve been there. I know how much presence and intention it takes to hold space for clients, and I bring that same energy to every shoot. I offer branding photography for therapists, by a therapist.

For Nicole, that meant creating a space where she could relax, be herself, and let her personality shine.

And it worked. The photos we got? Pure magic.

Capturing Natural Confidence: Behind the Scenes

This wasn’t Nicole’s first photoshoot rodeo, and she was confident and at ease in front of the camera. Even though she wasn’t nervous, we still dedicated time before the shoot to refine her brand values, target audience, and key messages. This pre-shoot conversation ensured every image aligned with her vision and professional identity. We wanted the shoot to be a little edgy but not sexy, show off her tattoos and funky style but still be covered and professional, and highlight not only her personality but also capture the values she brought to her work with the “Decolonizing Therapy” book.

Throughout the shoot, we embraced both planned poses and spontaneous moments. Before the shoot she stopped at a local Filipino coffee shop in denver, Coffee Sarap, and brought me a cup of iced ube coffee that was divine. (Seriously, how dreamy are these drinks!!!) Nicole is a proud 2nd generation Filipino-American, and uses Indigenous Filipino healing traditions to help clients access their own innate wisdom. So the drink from a local Filipino coffee shop was the perfect accent to the photoshoot!

Her husband was also at the gardens while we were doing our shoot. At the end of the shoot, we met up with him and took a couple of photos of them both that she could use on her “About Me” page on her website to share a little more of her personal life.

Our time together brought out Nicole’s playful charm and relaxed energy, resulting in candid shots that perfectly captured her natural confidence and dynamic personality. This blend of structured planning and creative spontaneity not only gave us amazing images, but also reflected the genuine, empowered essence of Nicole as a therapist and educator.

This blend of structured planning and organic spontaneity is at the heart of effective therapist branding photography. It demonstrates how a well-executed branding photoshoot can be both a creative journey and a strategic branding exercise, resulting in images that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply reflective of the therapist’s core values.

Maximizing Your Brand Photoshoot: Strategies for Therapists and Clinical Counselors

If you’re a therapist or clinical counselor thinking about a branding shoot, here’s the deal: it’s not just about nice pictures. It’s about telling your story in a way that connects with your audience and attracts your ideal clients.

Nicole’s shoot at the Denver Botanic Gardens is a great example of how thoughtful planning and having fun during a shoot can give you powerful images you can use to showcase your brand and use as a marketing tool for therapists and clinical counselors.

Here are a few tips to make the most of a photoshoot:

Plan Ahead: Think about your brand values, your audience, and the message you want to send. What do you want people to feel when they see your photos? We can also discuss wardrobe choices, location preferences, and any personal props that speak to your therapeutic approach.
Choose the Right Location: Pick a spot that reflects your personality and your work. Nature settings, like the Denver Botanic Gardens, are great for creating a warm, inviting vibe. But you may want to do a shoot in your own office to showcase where you’ll work with clients. Colorado has plenty of outdoor nature to choose from (in any season!) and I also have some studios I like to use in town. We can find the right place for your vision.
Wear Clothes (And Bring Props) That Feel Like You: Your outfits should be professional but also true to your style. And don’t forget props that mean something to you—they add depth and authenticity.
Work With Someone Who Gets It: A photographer who understands the therapy world can capture the nuances of your work in a way that feels real. This is why I offer branding photography for therapists, by a therapist. It’s my speciality because I know the mental health world from the inside out
Embrace the Candid Moments: Some of the best shots come from the in-between moments when you’re just being yourself. I love the natural, candid moments where I can capture your authentic beauty, rather than overly posed shots. Authenticity is key to creating a brand narrative that connects with potential clients on a personal level.

Nicole’s session is a prime example of how these strategies come together to create a powerful collection of professional branding photos. The images not only enhance her website and social media profiles but also serve as a visual representation of her commitment to transformative, liberatory counseling.

Final Reflections: The Power of Authentic Branding Photography

Nicole’s photoshoot was more than just a day of taking pictures—it was about creating a visual story that reflects who she is and what she stands for. Through the lens of professional therapist branding photography, we captured the essence of “Professor X” in a way that is both authentic and empowering. The flirty, vibrant, and empowered atmosphere of the shoot reflects her dynamic approach to therapy and her commitment to decolonizing the mental health field.

The photoshoot showed the transformative power of a well-executed branding photoshoot for therapists and clinical counselors. When done right, these images become an integral part of your online presence, and your photos will enhance your website, social media, and marketing materials, helping you connect with clients who resonate with your unique approach.

In a world where first impressions often happen online, your photos are your chance to show up authentically and make a lasting impact.

And for therapists like Nicole, who are breaking the mold and redefining what therapy can look like, that’s more important than ever.

For therapists looking to elevate their professional image, investing in branding photography is a strategic move that goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating a lasting impression on your audience, building trust, and setting the stage for meaningful client connections. Nicole’s session is a testament to the impact of authentic, personalized branding photography—images that not only look stunning but also tell a story of empowerment, expertise, and genuine care.

Ready to Bring Your Brand to Life?

As the world of clinical counseling evolves, so does branding and photography for clinical counselors. Gone are the days of sitting in a chair with a clipboard while your client lays on a couch. So why would you use brand photos that are just as outdated?

These days the therapists and counselors that stand out of the crowd are ones that have high quality, authentic photos that capture their essence and their clinical approach.

Whether you use traditional methods like CBT, psychoanalytics, or even Jungian approaches, or you use more cutting edge approaches like transpersonal, EMDR, somatic, gestalt, or even offer liberation therapy like Nicole I can help capture the real YOU that’s essential for connecting with your audience and potential clients.

At still / space Branding & Photography, I specialize in creating visual brands that speak directly to your target audience. My approach is tailored to the unique needs of therapists and clinical counselors, ensuring that every photoshoot reflects the essence of your practice. From selecting the perfect location to curating a wardrobe that mirrors your professional persona, every detail is planned to create images that are as impactful as they are beautiful.

In today’s competitive digital landscape, standing out as a therapist requires more than just expertise in your field—it demands a strong, authentic visual brand. By investing in professional therapist branding photography, you’re not only capturing high-quality images; you’re creating a visual story that resonates with your audience and sets you apart in the world of clinical counseling.

Nicole Xenos’ vibrant and empowered photoshoot at Denver Botanic Gardens exemplifies the potential of authentic branding imagery. Her story, captured through the lens of a seasoned photographer, serves as inspiration for therapists and clinical counselors everywhere. If you’re ready to elevate your online presence with professional, authentic branding photos, consider the transformative power of a carefully planned branding photoshoot.

If you’re ready to uplevel your brand and have a full gallery of images to last you years, book your session today and take the next step in creating a brand that truly represents you. Click below to schedule your shoot or reach out with any questions!

(I’m mostly based in Denver/Boulder, Colorado. But I have travel dates in the US and Canada for 2025 here.)

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