Get to Know Me

Hello! I’m LaQuita McNickles, MSSW, LCSW, CLC, founder of Elevate By Belief, LLC. I'm a licensed psychotherapist and certified life coach specializing in Breakup Recovery Coaching, Mindset & Resilience Coaching, and Mental Health & Emotional Wellness Consulting.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people improve their mental health and emotional well-being, navigate life’s challenges, and foster personal and professional growth through psychotherapy, coaching, and consulting. Today, I specialize in Breakup Recovery Coaching, Mindset & Resilience Coaching and Mental Health & Emotional Wellness Consulting, supporting both individuals and organizations with achieving their goals.

My Journey & Approach

My journey as a wife, mother, therapist, coach and entrepreneur has profoundly shaped how I support others. After my own heartbreak, I was determined to create the life I envisioned. I believed that if I went after my goals with intention, I could achieve them, so I did. I moved to a new state, earned my master's degree, and transitioned into a career that aligned with my values and passions. With time and a deliberate focus on cultivating meaningful relationships, I found the love of my life. Every mountain I've climbed has led me here, to my purpose.

Now I combine professional expertise with personal understanding to help others heal, build empowered mindsets, strengthen resilience, and create the lives they truly desire and deserve. This journey solidified what I knew to be true: everyone deserves happiness, meaningful relationships, and a life where they thrive and live with purpose. This belief is the foundation of Elevate By Belief and guides everything I do.

As an African American, heterosexual, cisgender woman with years of professional training, I understand how upbringing and layers of identity, whether related to gender, race, culture, or sexuality, shape how we perceive and show up in the world.

This awareness shapes my approach: I bring compassion, cultural humility, and a non-judgmental stance that honors your unique experiences and creates a safe, validating space. My coaching is collaborative and tailored to your needs. I guide you through emotional processing, clarifying your goals, reconnecting you with your values, and aligning your beliefs and behaviors with the life you truly want and deserve.

Professional Background

I hold a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northeastern University. I am licensed to practice psychotherapy in multiple states and certified as a life coach through the ICF-accredited Certified Life Coach Institute.

I draw on International Coaching Federation (ICF) principles and evidence-based techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and positive psychology to create an experience that empowers you to move forward with confidence and clarity. With extensive experience working in Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and serving as a clinical supervisor, I bring a unique blend of clinical expertise, leadership, and coaching skills. This combination enables me to effectively support both individuals and organizations in enhancing mental wellness, resilience, and personal growth.

I’ve worked with individuals and organizations across industries like finance, legal, entertainment, and tech in roles ranging from managers and programmers to HR professionals and fellow therapists seeking consultation. This diverse background enriches my ability to guide clients toward meaningful personal and professional growth.

When you're ready to turn pain into growth and move forward with purpose, know that you don’t have to do it alone. I'd be honored to support you on your journey. Schedule your free 20-minute consultation to get started!