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  <url>
    <loc>https://www.drnikou.com/fees-faq</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2021-04-24</lastmod>
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      <image:title>Fees &amp; FAQ</image:title>
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      <image:title>Fees &amp; FAQ</image:title>
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      <image:title>Fees &amp; FAQ</image:title>
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      <image:title>Fees &amp; FAQ - Rates &amp; Fees</image:title>
      <image:caption>My fee varies depending upon the service I provide. In the state of Connecticut where services are being rendered, fee per psychotherapy session to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder symptoms and disorder typically range between $250-$450. Fee per psychotherapy session to treat non-specialty related issues typically range between $200-$300. Fees for other services provided are determined during initial consultation. I can be reached at drjennifernikou@gmail.com or (914) 907-0443 to discuss your specific needs. For psychotherapy sessions only: I am not credentialed with any insurance carriers in the state of Connecticut and am therefore considered an out-of-network provider. If you qualify for out-of-network benefits, I may provide an invoice for you at the end of the month after full payment has been received and reconciled for all previous services rendered, which can be submitted to your insurance carrier. I cannot guarantee full, partial, or any reimbursement for services rendered. Often, companies reimburse for out-of-network providers at a high percentage (65% and higher), covering majority of the cost of one session. I encourage you to contact your insurance carrier in advance to learn of your benefit options. I accept payment in the form of Venmo and credit cards. Venmo is a social payment service that allows for clients to make payments in a safe, private, and direct manner. No fees are involved. I prefer this method of payment. Credit cards are applied a 4% fee per transaction. Checks are not accepted while providing services in a telehealth format. Payment is expected on the date service is rendered (during the session) unless the service being provided will take place in increments (not including psychotherapy sessions). If the latter is the circumstance, partial payment is expected upon first date of service.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Fees &amp; FAQ - Goodness of Fit</image:title>
      <image:caption>Clients often share their experiences with previous professionals during our work, expressing their frustration about their difficulty in finding “the right fit.” It is important that you feel comfortable, safe, and engaged with your therapist so that sharing sensitive information comes more naturally. There will, however, be times when it is the therapist’s job to confront and make a client relatively uncomfortable in the interest of growth. It is important to discern the former from the latter. I have heard many stories from clients about therapists missing appointments, taking time off without giving proper notice, questioning behavior before learning more context, and my personal favorite, falling asleep during sessions! No one is perfect but you should be in the care of a professional who conducts themselves as such. A stronger relationship leads to a healthier recovery.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Fees &amp; FAQ - It’s Not You, It’s Us</image:title>
      <image:caption>Experiencing a connection with your therapist is important and taking the time to find a therapist that aligns or adjusts to your style and needs can take time. It is also important for your therapist to feel that he/she/they can best serve you. Sometimes a therapist can find themselves going through the motions of the work, noting little substantial progress towards their client’s goals. If that remains the case, it is part of the therapist’s role to discuss their relationship and potential impediments to treatment to move forward successfully. You might find that after meaningful discussions with your therapist it is best to terminate treatment and begin anew with someone else. This is part of the process and serves a purpose which is to help the client advance in their journey towards growth. A seasoned professional can teach a client how to end a relationship graciously and respectfully under these conditions, eliminating the tendency for “ghosting” to occur.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.drnikou.com/home</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>1.0</priority>
    <lastmod>2023-02-21</lastmod>
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      <image:title>Home - Welcome to the Practice of Dr. Nikou</image:title>
      <image:caption>You are officially on your way to achieving a healthier, happier you. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned a Ph.D. in my respective discipline with 24 years of experience. I facilitate individual, couples, and family psychotherapy sessions for adults (21 and older with some exceptions) . I provide supervision for students as well as professionals working towards their license or professionals interested in receiving guidance with their cases. I utilize psychoeducation actively in my work and can assist professionals with organizing and arranging material for presentations, webinars, or seminars. As a professional educator, I can assist with editing, proofreading, and arrangement of written assignments such as papers or cover letters. I offer consultation services to fellow professionals in the infancy stages of private practice development or those looking to refine an existing practice. Services include establishing a personalized business model, training on how to approach clerical and clinical issues/items, and bookkeeping services. Recently I have begun advising clients on how to “interview” a potential therapist/provider. I can provide a list of relevant questions to help in making an informed decision, specific to your needs. And More…</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Home</image:title>
      <image:caption>Portrait of pretty Caucasian therapist in elegant dress and smiling while standing at modern office.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Home</image:title>
      <image:caption>Portrait of handsome young smiling therapist holding smartphone and looking at camera.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Home - Presentation Development</image:title>
      <image:caption>Presentation Development Assist professionals or students in the organization of academic materials through review of journals, databases, and other appropriate resources. Create a focused, organized presentation vis-à-vis PowerPoint. Emphasis on material pertaining to social services.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Home</image:title>
      <image:caption>Portrait of a millennial generation therapist with curly hair and eyeglasses looking at camera.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Home</image:title>
      <image:caption>Crafting Informed Questions Inquire about your treatment needs based on self-report, clinical symptoms, diagnosis (if known), and collateral information. Evaluate which type of professional you would be best suited to work with based on their discipline. Consider practical items as well. Assist in developing questions to ask when selecting an appropriate professional.</image:caption>
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      <image:caption>Health Education Doctor (Ph.D. in Nursing) and Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) addresses health management. Areas of discussion consist of but are not limited to understanding how your medication works (avoiding contraindications), the effects of dietary limitations or additions, managing your blood pressure, and maintaining necessary health screening. Specialists are recommended per request.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Home</image:title>
      <image:caption>Portrait of elegant therapist wearing suit standing holding coffee cup and a folder and looking at camera.</image:caption>
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      <image:caption>Life Coaching/Wellness Assistance Examine core values and beliefs to determine goals to pursue. Establish goals to improve different aspects of life such as relationships, career, and finances. Emphasis on short-term, supportive relationship. Therapy focuses on mental health and healing emotional wounds often deriving from the past while life coaching focuses on setting and achieving attainable goals in the present.</image:caption>
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      <image:caption>Nighty Night….</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Home</image:title>
      <image:caption>Attitude of gratitude</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Home - Covid-19 in Our Own Backyard…</image:title>
      <image:caption>I had the privilege of meeting a young man, Emerick, under the most unfortunate of circumstances. He is a 21-year-old college senior, graduating in May from a prestigious music school in NYC. He has devoted his life to pursuing his passion of playing a musical instrument and supporting his family who emigrated to the US years ago. His mother, Emmy, was a loyal employee of a Westchester County school district for many years. She enjoyed working with children and she looked forward to working every day with her co-workers, many of whom became her friends. Emmy contracted Covid-19 while at work and she fought a hard battle which ended on April 27th, 2020. Emmy was part of the disproportionate members of our black and brown community who are dying at higher rates from Covid-19. She was 41 years old. Emerick, her eldest child, is an orphan at 21 learning how to transition from “child” to adult, as his circumstances lent themselves to this necessary adjustment overnight. He is resilient, independent, resourceful, and most importantly hopeful about his future despite the cards he has been dealt. I hope you find his story as inspirational as I have.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Home - The Impact of Covid-19 on Mental Health</image:title>
      <image:caption>On January 30th, 2020, the WHO (World Health Organization) declared the Covid-19 outbreak a global health emergency. On March 11th, 2020, it was upgraded to a global pandemic. For over 1 year our lives have been changed in nearly every conceivable way. We are working from home, learning from home, socializing from home, and remodeling our homes! The implications of the pandemic on the economic, financial, and political infrastructures will outlast the immediate threat of the spread of the virus . As a result of Covid-19, our mental health has also changed. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (2021), “In January 2021, 41% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder. In a survey from June 2020, 13% of adults reported new or increased substance use due to coronavirus-related stress, and 11% of adults reported thoughts of suicide in the past 30 days.” Now is the time to seek help from a trained professional as we can all use support to help us remember to take one day at a time.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.drnikou.com/about</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2021-04-20</lastmod>
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      <image:title>About Me - About Me</image:title>
      <image:caption>I am passionate about the work I do, and I am humbled to have a career I enjoy. I began working in the field of mental health 22 years ago at New York Presbyterian Hospital. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a doctoral degree in my discipline, I have worked in different settings including inpatient, outpatient, partial, residential, and private practice. I have treated clients with various conditions ranging from a first-time depressive episode to chronic schizophrenia. I have expert knowledge on Depressive and Anxiety Disorders, specifically Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (and its many subsets), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Phobias. I am also well-trained to treat Bipolar Disorder and Mood Disorders, as well as Personality Disorders. I am knowledgeable about working with adults with Spectrum Related Disorders (Autism; what was previously identified as Asperger's). I work closely with members of the LGBTQ community, including members looking to transition or are in the process of transitioning. I am familiar with resources needed for hormone replacement therapy as well as gender assignment surgeries. SPECIALTIES: Much of my practice consists of working with people seeking help for Anxiety Disorders, in particular, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and co-occurring conditions such as Major Depression and ADHD. LGBTQ members, specifically individuals transitioning or non-binary individuals seeking assistance in thriving in a heteronormative culture, are also an area of focus. I work with adults (21 years and older) . If under 21, I facilitate family sessions centering on psychoeducation and supportive services for the aforementioned populations. I have taught as an adjunct professor at Fordham University and currently, Mercy College, for 7 + years. Courses include Psychopathology, Domestic Violence, and Clinical Practice I and II. I have provided supervision, consultation services, psychoeducation, presentation development, editing and proofreading services, and wellness management/life coaching services. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Psychology and Human Relations from Pace University in 2001, a Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University in 2003, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare from the City University of New York/Hunter College School of Social Work in 2017. My dissertation centered on social work students’ endorsement of recovery-oriented principles and practices when working with consumers diagnosed with severe mental illness, under the guidance of my chairs, Dr. Andrea Savage and Dr. Jonathan Prince. Prior to transferring to my Ph.D. program in Social Welfare, I completed 2 years in a Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology in the DC area. I also hold a License in the State of New York to practice as a Real Estate Salesperson. General recommendations can be made upon request. On a personal note, the precious cargo in my arms in the picture is how I most like to spend my free time!</image:caption>
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  <url>
    <loc>https://www.drnikou.com/services</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2021-04-20</lastmod>
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      <image:title>Services - “I underestimated how hard it would be adjusting to working from home and helping my kids, but with Dr. Nikou’s help, I was able to multitask and stay on top of things.”</image:title>
      <image:caption>— Mark, CLIENT</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Services</image:title>
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      <image:title>Services</image:title>
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  <url>
    <loc>https://www.drnikou.com/team</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2021-05-01</lastmod>
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      <image:title>OCD &amp; Anxiety Disorders - Less Common Subtypes of OCD</image:title>
      <image:caption>Some decades ago, OCD symptoms consisted mainly of contamination or germ issues, harm issues, and organization or symmetry issues, followed by corresponding compulsions such as checking or hand washing. As OCD evolved, researchers began to identify and study new subtypes of OCD such as HOCD (homosexual), ROCD (relationship), TOCD (transgender), Sensorimotor OCD and very recently, Ocular Tourettic OCD (repeatedly staring at objects in the periphery of one’s vision or at socially inappropriate parts of other people’s bodies). Often these more recent subtypes of OCD are overlooked, misunderstood, or inaccurately diagnosed by professionals. Thereby, resulting in years of frustration and disappointment for those struggling to manage symptoms without the proper assistance.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>OCD &amp; Anxiety Disorders - Compulsive Responses to Obsessive Thoughts</image:title>
      <image:caption>Compulsions are the actions taken by the individual in response to the provoking thought or mental image in the interest of reducing distress or anxiety. For example, people who engage in checking behavior are attempting to alleviate unwanted thoughts centering on safety or harm. More specifically, people who check the stove, front door, car battery, or crosswalk for pediatricians are attempting to ensure that they unequivocally have not harmed someone else, themselves, or a loved pet. This often leads to mental rituals, repetitive self-talk, and reassurance seeking behavior from people around them with the intention of ensuring a safe outcome was achieved. Other compulsive acts may consist of speaking with a priest or going to confession in response to moral (or scrupulosity) obsessions. Participating in charity work or making donations are also done to abate feelings of “being wrong or dirty.” Hand washing is a common response to contamination obsessions. Avoiding hospitals, doctor’s offices, or other locations where bacteria and viruses can often be found are also compulsive acts. Rearranging, reordering, and organizing items repeatedly are compulsions done to reduce obsessional thoughts centering on order and symmetry. In addition, typing and retyping emails, text messages, and written assignments are more current versions of managing “just right” obsessions. Lastly, avoidance of loved ones, children, or animals is done to protect any of these vulnerable populations from the possibility of acting out violently or sexually inappropriately. This may include declining attending social functions or avoiding watching or reading material with sexual content while in the presence of someone or something that may be triggering. If these obsessive thoughts are severe, a person may entirely avoid relationships and having children to guarantee their safety. It is important to recall that people do not act on these thoughts when experienced in the context of OCD symptoms. Compulsions pertaining to the more current OCD subtypes such as HOCD, ROCD, TOCD, Sensorimotor OCD, or “Pure O-OCD” are better suited for 1-on-1 discussions with a trained professional such as myself given that the obsessive thoughts associated with each subtype can often be misunderstood from online content, resulting in further impairment and distress.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>OCD &amp; Anxiety Disorders</image:title>
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      <image:title>OCD &amp; Anxiety Disorders</image:title>
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      <image:title>OCD &amp; Anxiety Disorders</image:title>
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      <image:title>OCD &amp; Anxiety Disorders</image:title>
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      <image:title>OCD &amp; Anxiety Disorders</image:title>
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      <image:title>OCD &amp; Anxiety Disorders - The Urge to Pick</image:title>
      <image:caption>Skin picking, also known as neurotic excoriation, is a common Body Focused Repetitive Behavior like hair pulling and nail biting. It is an impulsive behavior that is performed in an unconscious manner in response to something that does not look or feel “just right” on the skin. A scab, an ingrown hair, an open pore, or a barely observable bump can result in a person picking under the layers of skin to "fix" the perceived problem or imperfection. This compulsive behavior can cause scarring, pock marks, red spots, and bleeding. Often clients report feeling embarrassed or shameful due to the time they spent on the behavior and the damage they created on their body. Many people who struggle with this problem feel isolated and alone as well as misunderstood, often trying to hide the issue from loved ones. ERP and/or Habit Reversal Training is used to treat problematic skin picking as well as Trichotillomania. There are 4 main components of HRT. Awareness Training The person learns to identify the earliest warning that a tic or impulsive behavior is about to take place. These warning signs can be urges, sensations, or thoughts. The person identifies all the situations during which the tic or impulsive behavior occurs. Development of a Competing Response The competing response is opposite that of the tic or impulsive behavior and is something that can be carried out for longer than just a couple of minutes. For example, a competing response to hair-pulling might be to ball the hands into a fist and hold them rigidly alongside the body. It should be an action other people are unlikely to notice. Building Motivation The person is directed to make a list of the problems prompted by the behavior to prevent the behavior from coming back. The list should be discussed with trusted friends and family so that they may be supportive while offering praise. Generalization of New Skills In this final stage, the person is encouraged to repeatedly practice the skills they have learned in “real world” settings. The goal is to translate your skills beyond the professional’s office.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.drnikou.com/contact</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2022-01-22</lastmod>
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      <image:title>Forms &amp; Contact Info - Contact Me</image:title>
      <image:caption>Services are by appointment only. My hours of operation vary according to the service being rendered. I am available at different times Monday-Friday for psychotherapy sessions. I am generally available on Saturdays for primarily non-psychotherapy related services. I provide telehealth or other virtual services only with few exceptions such as Hoarding which requires my presence at the physical location of the hoarding, some exposures, and some business workplace sessions. I can be reached on my cellular phone at (914) 907-0443 between the hours of 9:30am and 8pm or by email at drjennifernikou@gmail.com. You can also fill out the Contact Form below for assistance. I intend to reply within 24-48 business hours. If you have questions regarding anything pertaining to psychotherapy services such as treatment interventions or therapeutic approach please review my website in its entirety as most questions should be answered from the information made available. I’m happy to speak with potential clients briefly if additional questions remain unanswered such as cost of service or how to set up an appointment with me. If you are seeking services I listed on my Services Page, I’m happy to discuss your needs in greater depth via a phone conversation.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Forms &amp; Contact Info</image:title>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6022b5ac9b652f572e9b8fc0/1618762588482-3TTTJI0DN3FL0DK4MLPF/unsplash-image-_2xPNcgx_Vs.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Forms &amp; Contact Info</image:title>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6022b5ac9b652f572e9b8fc0/1618762678083-OX5WDBYUX64PCV1PBT57/unsplash-image-ZVprbBmT8QA.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Forms &amp; Contact Info</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.drnikou.com/about-5</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2021-04-24</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6022b5ac9b652f572e9b8fc0/1613697182465-1328FOCSJ0MQOI8MSRLH/J_NikouPortrait_41.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Mission Statement - Dream it.</image:title>
      <image:caption>My vision to establish a practice began years before earning degrees or titles. It began with a passion to study and better understand human behavior so that I could help people, help themselves. My practice epitomizes my approach to helpful treatment, tailoring services to the individual and not his/her/their diagnosis. I pride myself on demonstrating the utmost professionalism and courtesy to every person I work with. I understand that when we are seeking help, we are feeling vulnerable and unsure about which direction to turn to and I respond with humility and compassion. Building a trusting relationship is what matters most to me. Your goals are designed by You, with some assistance per your request, and I will work with you until you are fully satisfied. And I enjoy incorporating humor into my work with clients! This mission statement applies to all the services I provide since each service requires listening, caring, understanding, helping, and working towards meeting your desired goals!</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6022b5ac9b652f572e9b8fc0/1613700121923-IPFRFPOFPIZMVPC2VEX9/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Mission Statement - Use it.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Therapists employ different treatment modality formats to help clients work through their issues. Some therapists use psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theory while others rely on cognitive or behavioral approaches. Often clients are not well-versed on the differences between and among these various formats or approaches. The following video offers a brief, concise and comprehensive overview so that you may educate yourself on treatment modality formats.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6022b5ac9b652f572e9b8fc0/1613762638965-QTXWV07ZNZ7GRFVM5Y85/telehealth+counseling+pic.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Mission Statement</image:title>
      <image:caption>Is Telehealth Effective? According to the American Psychological Association……</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6022b5ac9b652f572e9b8fc0/1613763385440-8WF2H2QUXC5W9S7IDFCH/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Mission Statement - A Barrel of Laughs</image:title>
      <image:caption>What brings us more joy and contentment than watching a child laugh at nothing! Wouldn’t it be great if we laughed at nothing well into adulthood? The experts at The Mayo Clinic give us insight into the health benefits of laughing. Click on the “laughing boy” to learn more…</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.drnikou.com/get-started</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2021-02-09</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.drnikou.com/our-approach</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2021-04-18</lastmod>
  </url>
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