Meet the Team

Nicole Lacherza-Drew, PsyD
Owner & Licensed psychologist
Supporting individuals in NJ, NY, VT, FL

As the owner of Vici Psychological Care, Dr. Nikki is dedicated to creating a comforting and genuine space for your well-being. Her therapeutic style is characterized by warmth, non-judgment, and wholeness, focusing on key areas such as anxiety & stress, burnout, boundaries, and depression with teens and adults.

Dr. Nikki's approach is diverse, drawing from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Humanistic therapy. Her extensive training allows her to customize each session to cater to the unique needs of every individual. From Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) & Positive Psychology, her toolkit includes modalities like Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT), Crisis Intervention, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as Culturally Sensitive Therapy.

Aside from traditional forms of therapy, Dr. Nikki is also a certified cannabis-informed provider and Ketamine-Assisted-Psychotherapy (KAP) provider, she holds Level 1 Certification in Tech Addiction and Digital Health. She is also currently working towards yoga teacher training. Dr. Nikki's research background spans positive psychology, mindfulness, self-esteem, social media usage, bullying, and LGB needs.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Nikki is a passionate educator, teaching psychology courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She also hosts a monthly book club and consultation group for therapists. In her downtime, she finds joy in reading, baking, yoga, and cherishing moments with her family and furry companions.

Vanessa LaBruzza, MA, LAC
CLINICIAN
supporting individuals in NJ

Vanessa is dedicated to a collaborative, non-judgmental, and supportive approach to teens and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, and attachment issues.

Rooted in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, Vanessa's diverse training encompasses various modalities like Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), Crisis Intervention, therapeutic Play, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Positive Psychology, and Behavior Modification Training. This allows her to tailor each session to meet the unique needs of every individual.

With over two decades of experience working with children, teens, and families in school settings, Vanessa brings a wealth of expertise. Her background extends to outpatient counseling centers, where she has successfully treated adults with substance use and co-occurring disorders.

Beyond the therapy room, Vanessa's warmth extends to her love for great meals, laughter with family and friends, and a deep connection with nature.

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN

Avani is the orchestrator of harmony behind the scenes, fostering collaboration with the community, crafting engaging content, and curating our social media presence.

Currently pursuing Psychology at Boston University with a double minor in Business and English, Avani blends her academic prowess with hands-on experience in social media, marketing, retail, and writing.

Beyond her impressive skills, Avani's warm spirit shines through her passion for helping others. With aspirations to pursue a Master's in either Clinical Psychology or Social Work, she envisions a future dedicated to supporting adolescents navigating family issues, anxiety, and depression.

In her downtime, Avani finds joy in traveling, painting, baking, reading, and immersing herself in the great outdoors.

administrative assistant

Kierra is the driving force behind our efficiency and organization. As one of the initial faces you'll encounter, Kierra plays a pivotal role in our operations, managing scheduling, billing, and overall administrative order. With a wealth of experience from various administrative positions, Kierra brings a depth of expertise and a keen eye for detail to our team.