Amy Nelson
-Ally, Neurodivergence affirming, Feminist, Health at Every Size aligned- Welcome! I'm a LCSW with over 5 years of experience providing therapy services and would be happy to support your therapy goals. Therapy can be effective and beneficial without being stuffy or overly clinical! I'm passionate about the benefits of therapy and the positive difference a caring relationship with a therapist can bring. The most important part of my clinical approach is to build a foundation of respect, safety, gentleness and communication. We can work together to support your goals and learn new skills. My therapeutic style includes incorporating humor, creative outlets for exploring emotions and past experiences, and a personalized approach based on what clients want to focus on. In my spare time, I enjoy being in nature and with pets, tattoos, gardening, arts and crafts, video games, and thrift shopping.
-Ally to LGBTQ & BIPOC communities, Neurodivergence affirming, anti-diet/Health at Every Size/body neutrality aligned- Hello and welcome!
First session
We will focus on getting to know one another and building our therapeutic connection. We can explore a little more about your past and what brings you to therapy now. I'd love to learn about what you want to gain from therapy and how you best feel supported. We can also begin to think about goals for therapy and identify some starting skills to use. If you have had therapy before, it may be helpful to examine what you liked or didn't like about past therapy experiences.
Strengths
My strengths include lived experience with a mental health journey, a compassionate and flexible approach, genuine interest in connection with my clients, warmth, and a sense of humor. I hope clients feel safe and comfortable to be themselves or are encouraged to grow this comfort as we engage in sessions together. I ask often for consent and permission to discuss various topics, with a priority on clients being in charge of what they are ready for and open to discuss.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with clients who are navigating the following: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), anxiety, trauma (PTSD or CPTSD), relationship challenges, stress management challenges, burnout, identity development/identity exploration, phase of life challenges, religious deconstruction or discovering personal values, cultivating a peaceful relationship with food and body, and self-esteem support needs. Often my pets are in the office with me, please let me know if you prefer no pets in your sessions.
Treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Modified DBT can be utilized as a skill set that will help with reducing distress and navigating triggering situations, feelings, or experiences.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
For those looking for limited time treatments, we can work together to focus on problem solving through solution-focused treatment methods for present challenges. In as little as 3-6 sessions, we can support skill building and create a toolbox of solution-focused skills for use in day-to-day life.
Trauma-Informed Care
Using an eclectic mix of therapy modalities including DBT, I offer gentle support for those who have lived experience with trauma, complex or developmental trauma. We will go at your pace and create a foundation of emotional safety before exploring lived trauma experiences.
Feminist
I am an intersectional feminist practitioner. I support clients to examine the impact of personal, community, and systemic levels of power dynamics, the impact of structural oppression and marginalization, and how intersectional identities impact lived experiences. Resources and interventions with an intersectional feminist lens are integrated within treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Using CBT helps clients examine the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. There are a variety of excellent CBT tools that can be useful for children, teens, and adults. Practicing skills from the CBT method helps people navigate many challenges so emotions feel less overwhelming and clients are more empowered.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Serves
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 119682
- WashingtonLicense SWI.LW.61679521