Gary Nelson

Gary Nelson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 17 years in the field. He practices from Indiana and has substantial experience supporting people who identify as LGBT. Gary describes himself as personable and laid back in sessions and focuses on helping people draw on their own strengths.

He works directly with individuals on relationship struggles, parenting strain, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and addiction-related concerns. Gary also helps people manage anger, low self-esteem, sleeping problems, and career-related stress. Trauma and abuse appear among his clinical focuses, and he brings Trauma-Focused Therapy into his work when appropriate.

Gary uses Client-Centered Therapy to keep the session focused on each person's goals and values. He also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing strategies are woven in for coping skills and to support change.

He has experience with a wide range of related issues, including attachment and abandonment concerns, blended family and adoption-related stress, body image, codependency, and sexual diversity topics such as BDSM and kink. Gary also assists people facing chronic illness, caregiver stress, and co-morbid mental health challenges.

People who prefer a straightforward, collaborative style may find his approach helpful. He aims to help clients find their own voice and build practical steps toward better day-to-day functioning. Prospective clients should confirm session options before booking.

How Gary uses different approaches in online therapy

Gary combines several practical approaches to help people address their concerns. Trauma-Focused Therapy is used to address the effects of past trauma by focusing on safety, pacing, and processing traumatic memories in ways that feel manageable. Client-Centered Therapy keeps the session focused on the person's goals and values, with the therapist following the client's lead and offering empathy and reflection. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people spot unhelpful thoughts and try small behavior changes to reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work together with the person to identify goals, try methods that fit their comfort level, and adjust techniques as progress and preferences become clearer. This gives room to combine approaches depending on what helps most.

Confirm current session formats before booking to know which online options are available. Many people find online sessions helpful for fitting therapy into a busy schedule, shortening commute time, and allowing check-ins during workday breaks. Others like being able to do mindfulness or homework between meetings. Speak with the therapist when scheduling to learn which online arrangements are offered and which might work best for your needs.