Nishauna Ball, MSW, LCSW
Meet your Grief & Loss Therapist in St. Petersburg, FL
We often think of grief as something that happens after someone dies. But grief can show up anytime we experience a meaningful loss or the end of something we once imagined for ourselves. I have experienced my share of grief and loss, and I can walk beside you during yours.
About Me
I’m Nishauna, a grief therapist with more than 15 years of experience in the field of social work, including nearly a decade in direct clinical practice. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, loss, and life transitions.
Over the years, I’ve come to understand that some of the most difficult moments in life are not always easy to name. Sometimes you’re simply left feeling untethered, questioning who you are, where you’re headed, and how to move forward when the future you pictured has changed.
Why I Do This Work
You may be grieving the end of a marriage, a relationship you thought would last, a career that no longer feels right, a job loss that shook your sense of self, or the realization that life is not unfolding the way you imagined.
Sometimes, you're not just grieving what happened, you’re grieving what you thought your life would be.
That kind of loss can leave you questioning your identity, your choices, your relationships, and even what comes next.
My purpose in creating this practice is to provide a space where you don't have to navigate grief, loss, or life transitions alone. Therapy can be a place to slow down, make sense of what you're feeling, reconnect with yourself, and begin figuring out what moving forward looks like for you.
I believe you don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. You can come exactly as you are with the questions, uncertainty, grief, fear, and hope and we can work through it together.
You don’t have to heal on your own.
MISSION
The House of Jewels mission is to support and promote whole-person wellness by prioritizing each individual’s unique mental health journey. Through evidence-based practices and personalized care, we empower those seeking change with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Rooted in authentic connection, our duty is to walk alongside every individual we serve with empathy and understanding, helping them cultivate resilience and lasting well-being.
Credentials and Trainings
Clinical Credentials
Masters of Science in Social Work (MSW) - University of Pittsburgh, 2011
Mental Health Certificate from The University of Pittsburgh
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Florida State License #SW22971
- Ohio State License #I.2608225
- Pennsylvania State License #CW026543
- Idaho State License #1081911
Clinical Approach
I am a compassionate licensed clinical Social Worker and grief therapist with more than 15 years of experience, including nearly a decade in direct clinical practice. I primarily support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and periods of grief and loss.
My approach as a grief therapist is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each person’s needs. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and psychoeducation to help clients better understand themselves, recognize patterns, manage difficult emotions, and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding.
Therapy is not about changing who you are. It is about creating space to understand your experiences, process what you have been through, and build the skills and confidence to move forward. I believe clients are the experts in their own lives and work alongside them to identify what matters most, challenge patterns that may no longer serve them, and create meaningful change.
NISHAUNA IS A SOCIAL WORKER FIRST
And abides by the NASW Code of Ethics
The NASW core values—service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence—form the foundation of the social work profession. These values guide practitioners in their commitment to ethical, compassionate, and effective practice, and must be balanced thoughtfully within the complexity of real-life human experiences.
Our VALUES
Excellence
We strive to deliver the highest quality of care through continued learning, professionalism, cultural competence, and a commitment to best practices.
Ethics
We uphold integrity, transparency, confidentiality, and respect in every interaction, ensuring those we serve feel safe and supported.
Empowerment
We are dedicated to providing individualized, compassionate care by fostering genuine connections and collaborating with those we serve to help them build confidence, make informed choices, and achieve sustainable growth across all areas of wellness.
The Person Behind The Grief Therapist!
I’m an eldest daughter, auntie, big sister, God mom, and a whole lot of other titles depending on the day. I love football season, family gatherings, and all of the winter holidays.
I’m happiest near the beach, traveling to a new city, state, or country, or sitting around a table laughing with good friends over a good meal. Those are the things that remind me to slow down, enjoy life, and recharge.
My own life hasn’t been easy. Like many people, I had a tough childhood, and I had to find my own way through some difficult experiences. I pushed, fought, grew, and eventually found my way toward healing. Those experiences have shaped the way I see people and the way I show up as a grief therapist for the clients I work with today.
I’ve always been a helper. I can remember decorating my grandparent’s home every December for Christmas and helping my grandmother plan and prepare for family gatherings and parties. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but those moments were some of the first signs that helping and caring for others was something that came naturally to me.
I genuinely love what I do. I feel honored to sit with people through the messy, difficult, confusing, and sometimes beautiful parts of life. I believe you shouldn’t have to figure everything out on your own, and sometimes having someone in your corner can make all the difference.
That’s one of the reasons I’m here to offer a space where you can be yourself, talk honestly, make sense of what you’ve been through, and work toward the life you want.
WHY THE NAME HOUSE OF JEWELS?
The name House of Jewels holds deep personal meaning for Nishauna. It was created in loving tribute to two cherished family members whose lives were marked by resilience in the face of substance use and mental health challenges.
One of those inspirations was Nishauna’s grandfather, Joel, affectionately known as “Pap.” Though his presence in her early years was sporadic, their bond strengthened over time. When Joel later reached out for help, Nishauna stepped in without hesitation—offering daily care, guidance, and unwavering support for more than six years. Under her care, Joel found stability, achieved sobriety, and regained peace before his passing in 2018.
The second was Joely, Joel’s daughter and Nishauna’s beloved aunt, a bold, spirited woman with a dazzling personality. Despite her vibrant spirit, she faced persistent struggles with substance use and mental health. She passed away in 2021 from health complications, with Nishauna lovingly by her side, holding her hand in her final moments.
Founded as a tribute to Joel and Joely, House of Jewels stands as a beacon of hope—dedicated to supporting individuals and communities who face similar challenges.
Every person we serve is a Jewel—a diamond or emerald formed deep within the earth, refined through care and transformation until its true brilliance shines through. Our mission is to offer compassion, support, and pathways to healing, growth, and lasting transformation—promoting wellness in every area of life.
What is Therapy?
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![Therapy is safe and confidential]()
It's Safe.
Therapy is built on trust. In a confidential and protected space you are able to speak freely and honestly, knowing your guided conversations are supporting positive growth.
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![Therapy is supportive]()
It's Supportive.
Therapy is a steady presence through change. With support and guidance your therapist will help you find the clarity to achieve your ultimate goal of empowerment.
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![Therapy is unconditional postive regard]()
It's Non-Judgmental.
Therapy works when you bring your whole self. A core principle of therapy is unconditional positive regard — the idea that you deserve care and respect exactly as you are.
Pearl of Hope
In 2025, Sojourner House in Pittsburgh, PA honored Nishauna with its Pearl of Hope Award, presented each year to an individual or organization that advances the mission of providing compassionate, faith-based support to mothers and children in recovery.
For Nishauna, this recognition holds special meaning. It comes from an organization that helped shape her life—marking her inspiring journey from a child in the Sojourner House program to a respected leader in the field of social work.