Janie Nelson

If you’re suffering, you don’t have to do this alone. Anxiety, depression, substance use, and other struggles are often signs that something deeper is asking to be seen. Yet, to protect ourselves, we often build walls–out of fear, hurt, or survival. Eventually, the same walls that kept us safe can keep us isolated from who we really are. In our work, we’ll begin to understand those defenses, and gently take them down so you can feel more whole, connected, and free.

My approach is warm, direct, and depth-oriented. I work with individuals, couples, and families to uncover the roots of emotional pain—not just treat the symptoms. I believe real healing happens when we stop pulling weeds and start tending to what’s underneath. Together, we’ll explore the beliefs, patterns, and protective parts that have helped you survive—but may now be keeping you stuck.

I work from a depth-oriented, trauma-informed lens. I draw from several powerful therapeutic models, including:

ISTDP (Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy) helps gently dismantle those walls. It’s a powerful, emotion-focused approach that helps uncover and process deeply buried feelings, so you can reconnect with your true self and heal at the root.
Here’s a great article that explains ISTDP: Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy: An Introduction – ISTDP Institute

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A trauma treatment that helps process distressing memories and reduce emotional reactivity.

IFS (Internal Family Systems): A gentle method that helps you connect with your inner parts, especially the ones carrying pain, shame, or protection.

Psychodynamic Therapy, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing: I incorporate tools from these approaches to support emotion regulation, self-understanding, and motivation for change.

I am committed to providing culturally responsive, affirming care for clients of all backgrounds. I have experience working with LGBTQIA+ and trans clients navigating identity, family rejection, internalized shame, and systemic harm. My goal is to create a space where all parts of you are welcome—including the ones that have felt unseen, judged, or erased.

While I specialize in trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, and identity-related concerns, the truth is—humans are complex, and so are the challenges we face. I work with a wide range of struggles, including relationship difficulties, life transitions, body image issues, grief, self-esteem, emotional regulation, childhood wounds, and the quiet, hard-to-name pain that can come from simply feeling disconnected or overwhelmed. You don’t need to fit a specific label or diagnosis to seek support. If something in you is asking for more—more clarity, more peace, more connection—I’m here to help you find your way back to yourself.