Todd M. Nelson

LCSW (he/him)16 years of experience
Often rebooked
Next available
4.9 (20)
Warm
Direct
Authentic

I look at my clients as already complete human beings. You are more than your problems, and not as simple as a textbook. I treat each of my clients as a unique and whole person, not as a set of symptoms. I help my clients build on their strengths, to create a better sense of wellbeing.

I find my abilities to listen, empathize, and to make my clients feel comfortable, and not judged, are my greatest strengths as a clinician.

Whatever challenges you are facing, whatever difficulties you are having, I assure you that you are worth being heard. You are worth being treated with compassion, in a nonjudgmental setting. I am here to help you find healing and wholeness.

First session

I am here to listen, and to care. I will ask the questions you may not have been asked yet. I am here to help you find healing and wellbeing. I am here to help you learn to live your best possible life, and work on the goals you set for therapy. I am here to help you live up to fullest potential of your truest self.

Strengths

I find my abilities to listen, empathize, and to make my clients feel comfortable, and not judged, are my greatest strengths as a clinician. My experience working with clients from a vast array of backgrounds, as well as differing presenting issues, and my ability to incorporate that experiences into my present work, is a great asset as a clinician.

Ideal clients

I work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and going through life transitions. I work with people from all backgrounds, races, religions, gender identities and expressions. My experience includes working with people who have been diagnosed with mental illnesses, terminal illnesses, trauma survivors, veterans, and military families.

Treatment methods

Psychodynamic

I treat my clients as whole people, not just as a set of symptoms. I take into account past and present experiences, as well as interactions with the world around my clients when providing treatment.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I often find that my clients try to make changes to their lives based on what others tell them they should do, whether it is family, friends, or even on social media (an increasing influence on people of all ages). I like to ask my clients who they are? What do they value? What do they want to change in their lives? What are they comfortable with? Often affirming and accepting oneself can lead to healing.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

I find mindfulness to be very useful when teaching clients to self regulate or self sooth. I have found mindfulness to be helpful in quelling anxiety, fears, anger, and even panic attacks and hypertensive episodes. My clients frequently give positive feedback regarding the use of mindfulness in sessions.

Cognitive Processing (CPT)

I have been trained in CPT, which I find very helpful for clients recovering from trauma, especially veterans and first responders, who do not wish to discuss the specific details of their, but want to engage in recovery. CPT is more involved in managing the effects of the trauma, and not reliving the events themselves.

Location

Virtual sessions

In-person sessions
4801 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL 60646, Suite 612

Reviews and ratings

4.9 rating (20)2 reviews
June 10, 2026

l.After two sessions, my impression is positive. The sessions have been clear, focused, and practical. He helps break things down into manageable steps and keeps the conversation on track. Although it’s still early, the experience has been helpful so far.

Verified client, age 25-34Review shared after session 2 with Todd
June 1, 2026

open minded funny and authentic i really think Todd will be the consistent therapist i need!

Verified client, age 18-24Review shared after session 1 with Todd

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Schedule 60 min