We are the Relationship Architects
Nichole Aiken and Nan Tilbury first met during their residencies at the same agency, where they quickly realized they shared a unique connection and a common vision for helping others. Trained by the same supervisor and rooted in similar therapeutic philosophies, their approaches naturally complemented one another. When the time came to expand their work, they joined forces to create Relational Connection Counseling, blending their individual strengths into a unified team.
Nan’s expertise lies in working with men and couples, as well as facilitating therapy groups, providing a direct and supportive approach to addressing relational challenges.
Nichole specializes in helping betrayed partners heal, combining her certifications with a holistic mind/body focus that incorporates trauma therapy, mindfulness, and yoga.
Together, Nichole and Nan bring a collaborative energy to their practice, creating a space where clients feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow. Their partnership reflects their belief that the best work is done in connection—with clients and with each other.
Nichole Aiken, LPC, CSAT, CPTT, MBATT
As a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Reston, VA, Nichole specializes in supporting individuals and couples who have been impacted by sexual and emotional betrayal, infidelity, and sexual compulsive behaviors. She is a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist and completed advanced training as a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist.
Nichole is also trained in Brainspotting, a powerful therapeutic tool that helps individuals process trauma and increase long-term sobriety by targeting the brain’s deeper neural pathways.
Her therapeutic approach is rooted in a mind-body perspective, integrating mindfulness and somatic techniques to promote healing. She holds a certification in Mindfulness-Based Addiction Therapy (MBATT) and is also certified in Trauma-Informed Yoga, which allows her to offer holistic support to her clients. Through this approach, she works to help individuals reconnect to themselves, process their emotions, and rebuild their lives after betrayal and addiction.
Nan Tilbury, LPC, CSAT, CDWF
Nan Tilbury is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice in Northern Virginia called RelationSkills. She specializes in helping men and couples navigate the challenges of healing from betrayal and rebuilding trust. A Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, Level Three Gottman-trained couples therapist, and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Nan brings a deep understanding of relationships and the tools needed to make meaningful change.
Nan’s approach is grounded in the belief that real healing happens through connection. Inspired by Irvin Yalom’s teachings, she emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as the true catalyst for growth, focusing on the “here and now” of emotional experiences rather than relying solely on a therapist’s expertise. She also draws on personal stories and insights from her own life to create a relatable, equal connection with readers and clients alike.
As a co-author, Nan blends her years of experience with a fresh perspective, offering practical tools and heartfelt encouragement to help readers build stronger, more authentic relationships.