Dr. Nici Richardson McFarland

Hi, I’m Nici.

I’m a counselor, chaplain, and educator who walks with people through the tender, complex places where grief, identity, faith, and lived experience intersect. My work is grounded in trauma‑informed care, narrative meaning‑making, and a deep respect for the sacredness of each person’s story. I believe healing unfolds in the presence of safety, curiosity, and compassion — and it’s an honor to sit with people in seasons of loss, transition, and becoming.

I specialize in grief and loss, trauma, compassion fatigue, burnout, chronic illness, spiritual distress, and the emotional weight of caregiving. I’m especially attuned to the invisible layers of suffering people carry — the unspoken grief, the identity shifts, the quiet questions of faith, and the exhaustion that comes from holding so much for so long.

My approach blends reflective conversation, gentle exploration, and practical grounding. I’m here to help you make sense of your experiences, reconnect with your inner wisdom, and move toward healing at a pace that feels safe. My presence is steady, warm, and deeply honoring; you’re welcome to bring your full self into the room — doubts, hopes, grief, and all.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor‑Supervisor, a Board‑Certified Chaplain, a Board‑Certified Telemental Health Provider, and a Certified Consulting Hypnotist. I hold a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Houston, an M.A. in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Advanced Studies of Human Behavior from Capella University.

In addition to my clinical work, I serve as an adjunct professor in the counseling ministries department at Dallas Theological Seminary, where I have the privilege of helping future counselors grow in their understanding of ethics, trauma, crisis care, and spiritually integrated practice. Across my years in chaplaincy, clinical practice, teaching, and supervision, I’ve had the honor of supporting individuals, families, caregivers, and communities through seasons of loss, transition, and identity change. These experiences shape the way I hold space — with steadiness, reverence, and deep respect for the stories people carry.

My therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to the needs of each person I work with. I draw from narrative therapy, meaning‑making, existential work, person‑centered approaches, and trauma‑informed practices. I also incorporate spiritually integrated care when desired.

At its core, my work blends reflective exploration with practical grounding, helping clients move toward healing in ways that honor their pace, their values, and their lived experience. I believe healing is not about rushing toward solutions, but about creating space for clarity, compassion, and connection to emerge.

More than anything, I’m committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and gently invited into healing and meaning. Along the way, I hope we can notice the small threads of hope that emerge — sometimes through quiet moments of peace, and sometimes through the kind of soft laughter that reminds us we’re not alone.

I’m deeply grateful for every person who chooses to share their story with me. Your trust in Crown of Hope is something I hold with great care and humility, and it is an honor to walk alongside you in this season of your life.