Growing up in one of Eastern Europe's capital cities, rich in culture and diverse backgrounds, Nina Kaufmans was exposed to various traditions, vibrant histories, and countless tales of resilience. Her upbringing in this mosaic of cultural influences fostered a deep curiosity about human experiences and the complexities of identity. She also witnessed and experienced the lingering effects of generational and personal traumas, which heightened her empathy and understanding of human pain and healing. Those early experiences, along with later personal events and her deep engagement with her clients' narratives, laid the groundwork for her journey in creating Safe Place Counseling and Therapy, where understanding and honoring individual stories became central to her mission. The SAFE model of psychotherapy treatment delivery was created and implemented to benefit all clients who come through the door.