Licensed to practice in 3 states and accepts 5 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Family Conflict, Trauma and PTSD and 10 more.
(she/her)
Welcome—I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Nancy Paz Welsh, a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing virtual therapy to adults throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Illinois. My approach is shaped by both my personal and professional experiences. As the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, a wife in a biracial marriage, and a mother of two, I understand that identity, culture, relationships, and family expectations can deeply influence how we experience and navigate life. Throughout my career, I’ve also had the privilege of supporting people from diverse backgrounds, communities, and stages of life. I strive to create an inclusive space where every part of your story is welcomed, respected, and understood. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, and major life transitions. You may feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or caught in patterns that no longer serve you. Therapy can offer a place to slow down, better understand yourself, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. My therapeutic style is warm, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and collaborative. Our conversations may feel natural and approachable, but they will also have purpose and direction. I offer compassion alongside gentle accountability, helping you recognize unhelpful patterns, strengthen coping skills, and make choices that align with your values. We’ll work at a pace that feels manageable while remaining focused on meaningful and lasting growth. Starting therapy may feel daunting, but you don’t have to have everything figured out before taking the first step. Come as you are, and together we’ll work toward greater understanding, healing, and meaningful change. It would be an honor to support you along the way!
Before our first session, you’ll receive a welcome email with instructions for connecting to your appointment, completing any required forms, and contacting me with questions or concerns. We’ll begin with introductions and a brief check-in. It’s completely normal to feel hopeful, nervous, uncertain—or a mix of emotions—when starting therapy. There is no pressure to share everything at once; we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. We’ll review confidentiality and its limits, discuss what you can expect from therapy, and answer any questions you may have about the process. We’ll then review your intake information and talk about your experiences, strengths, current challenges, support system, and what led you to seek therapy. I may ask follow-up questions so I can better understand you as a whole person—not simply the concerns that brought you in. Together, we’ll identify what you hope to gain from therapy and begin developing meaningful, realistic goals. We’ll also discuss the type of support that feels most helpful to you and whether my approach feels like a good fit for your needs. You don’t need to prepare a perfect explanation or know exactly where to begin. Simply come as you are—I’ll guide you through each step, and you’re welcome to ask questions along the way!
My strength lies in helping clients put words to experiences they may have struggled to understand or express. I listen for connections between past experiences, current emotions, and recurring patterns, then ask thoughtful questions that support deeper reflection. I’m comfortable making space for difficult emotions without rushing the process, while also helping clients turn insight into realistic changes outside of therapy. Clients can expect a grounded, honest, and thoughtful presence, with appropriate humor when it feels natural. My role is to support and guide the process while helping you build greater trust in your own strengths, judgment, and ability to move forward.
My ideal client is an adult who may feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in patterns they want to better understand. They may be navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, cultural or family expectations, or a significant life transition. They do not need to have clear goals or know exactly where to begin. I work well with clients who are open to reflection, curious about how their experiences have shaped them, and willing to consider new ways of coping over time. They may be seeking greater self-understanding, healthier boundaries, more fulfilling relationships, or a stronger sense of confidence and direction. Most importantly, they are looking for a supportive space where they can explore change at a realistic and sustainable pace.
Top specialties
Anxiety
Family Conflict
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
Depression
Fertility & Reproduction Issues
Life Transitions
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Perinatal Mental Health
Postpartum
School Issues
Sexual Abuse
Women's Issues
I identify as
Hispanic / Latinx
Person of Color (POC)
Woman
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Illinois
Maryland
Virginia
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
CareFirst
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into my work to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns, develop effective coping strategies, and create meaningful change. By focusing on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, I guide clients in building resilience and achieving their personal goals.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I take a person-centered approach in my work, creating a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard and valued. By honoring each individual’s unique experiences and strengths, I support their growth and healing, empowering them to navigate challenges with confidence and self-compassion.
Trauma Informed Care
I incorporate a trauma-informed approach in my therapy work, ensuring that clients feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey. By recognizing the impact of trauma on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, I create a compassionate space that fosters trust, resilience, and self-discovery, always prioritizing the client's sense of control and well-being.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients build psychological flexibility and develop a more compassionate relationship with their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. My approach emphasizes mindfulness, values clarification, acceptance, and committed action to support meaningful behavior change. Rather than focusing on eliminating distress, I help clients learn to tolerate discomfort in service of what matters most, tailoring ACT interventions to each client’s goals and needs.
19 ratings with written reviews
February 24, 2026
Nancy is an incredibly kind and genuine therapist who truly cares about her clients and wants to see them thrive. Talking to her felt easy and comforting—like opening up to a close friend.
February 5, 2026
Nancy has been great to work with. She listens with empathy and provides a different perspective while also working towards healing and solutions. Working through lifes up and downs can feel heavy, but she provides the support I need to get me through it and onto the other side of feeling like there is closure and clarity. Thank you, Nancy!
January 27, 2026
Nancy is extremely warm and comforting to speak to. She is incredibly insightful and is amazing at reading below the surface. I feel more empowered to do the hard work of therapy with her as my provider!