December Hero of the Month: Nina Kukoly, LCSW

Every month, we spotlight a counselor who has gone above and beyond for Uwill as our Uwill Hero of the Month. This month, we are delighted to recognize Nina Kukoly, LCSW as Uwill’s Monthly Hero. 

Since joining the Uwill team in June 2023, Nina has always gone above and beyond for Uwill. In that time, she’s had over 500 appointments, impacting the lives of students across  New Jersey, all with a very high feedback rating. 

Check out our interview with Nina as she discusses the rewarding feeling that comes with working with students, how Uwill is supporting its counselor community, and some tips for students facing seasonal affective disorder.

What excites you the most about working with Uwill?
What excites me the most about working with Uwill is working with college-aged students. I love everything about the college age population and what they bring to the table each therapy session. Conversations with students are real, relevant, naturally flowing, and can have added humor and personality traits of their therapist when appropriate, of course. Students come to sessions motivated and ready to make a change to better themselves. I love it when students talk about their progress and their coping skills that they have been using outside of sessions, which to me shows that they are putting in the work and it makes me just feel so proud of them. Outside of Uwill I work full-time as a school social worker in an elementary school serving students in grades K through five. I love how Uwill allows me the flexibility to have the best of both worlds with working with children and also young adults.

What aspect of your work would you say that you enjoy the most?
In my practice I like to do a lot of reflecting with my students. I love it when my students are able to look back on their progress and recognize all of their personal growth and achievements. It always brings a smile to their faces when they recognize how far they have come since beginning with therapy and how proud and confident they are in themselves. It is so nice to see and witness these moments, and to extend praise to my students for all of their hard work.

What is the most important lesson that you’ve learned through your work?
I think the most important lesson that I’ve learned through my work is just showing up. Just showing up for my students and providing them with the opportunity to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive environment. Also, it is important to meet students where they are at each session. Sometimes students are just looking to talk, vent, or obtain feedback on a situation that they may be going through. It is important to go with them and allow them the space to do so. I always tell my students that they are in the driver’s seat here and they are the ones driving and I am there as a passenger, helping to guide them along the way.

What was it that first attracted you to working with Uwill?
Back in 2023, I was working full-time as a contract clinician in a school district. I was looking for a second job, something that was clinical and super flexible that I can do in the evenings outside of my school hours. Most of the companies that I had discovered in my research felt expectations for their part-time workers were unrealistic for my schedule. My supervisor at the time shared with me that New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a partnership with you Uwill, providing free virtual mental health services to college and university students across New Jersey. So from there, I immediately took an interest due to my discovered passion for working with this population and applied because of the benefits that were being offered, which includes the flexible hours with minimal paperwork attached, free to use training, and opportunities for advancement.

What advice do you have for students who may be struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder?
First of all, I’d like to express my validation and empathy to those who are struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder. I know that this time of year can be difficult for so many. The weather gets cold and dreary and the sun sets very early, causing disruptions in our moods and daily functioning. Please know that you are not alone in that.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is common during the fall winter months. To those who are struggling, I think the most important thing that you can do is recognize that you are feeling this way and allow yourself to feel all your feelings. Like the waves of the ocean, feelings will come and they will go. And so it is important to recognize and feel what is presented to you without any hesitations or suppression. Suppression can cause a buildup of unprocessed emotions over time, leading to mental or even physical health challenges. It is beneficial to also recognize how your moods are affecting your daily functioning. Are you able to take care of your basic needs? Complete homework or school tasks? Engaged in pleasurable activities or hobbies? Developing insight into our behavioral patterns is so important so that we know the areas that specifically need to be addressed. Our own weaknesses and strengths, and how we can best help our own selves. 

Consider your mental health as well. Maintain a healthy diet and sleep schedule. Engaging in regular exercise, light or intense is fine, and remaining connected with your friends and family. We are social beings and need social connections. Opening your blinds and allowing sunlight into your living space. Going outside for a little bit. Maybe even doing something that you enjoy, or even picking up a new hobby or an old one. Maybe one from your childhood that you may have forgotten about and miss. Incorporating daily gratitude, journaling and mindfulness, as well as seeking therapy for additional support if needed. We are here to support you during this difficult time.

To learn more about becoming a counselor with Uwill, click on the link below.

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