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Janie Nelson

Janie Christine Nelson

Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist • Temecula, CA

AMFT

● Currently Accepting New Clients

Janie provides depth-oriented, trauma-informed therapy designed to help you feel more whole, connected, and free from patterns that keep you stuck. Her approach focuses on compassionate collaboration and healing through understanding and growth

ABOUT ME

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.

Specialties & Expertise

Anxiety

Mood Disorders

Depression

Trauma

Personality Disorders

Addiction

Couples

Emotional Growth

Relationship Support

Janie works collaboratively with clients to uncover root emotional experiences and foster lasting change. Her therapeutic style is compassionate, insight-driven, and grounded in evidence-based depth approaches.

Therapeutic Approaches

• Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)
• Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Trauma-Informed & Attachment-Based Therapy

Session Information

• Individual Therapy
• Couples Counseling
• Family Therapy
• Sliding scale options may be available based on need.

Client Focus

Janie works with adults and couples navigating anxiety, depressive symptoms, relational concerns, substance use challenges, and trauma recovery.

Insurance & Payment

May accept select insurance plans and out-of-network benefits. Please contact the office to verify coverage and eligibility.

Session Fees

Transparent, affordable pricing designed to support your journey toward healing.

 

Individual Therapy

$ 100 Per Session
  • One-on-one confidential session
  • In-person or secure online sessions
  • Trauma-informed, depth-oriented approach
  • Evidence-based techniques (ISTDP, EMDR, IFS)
  • Support for anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional regulation

Couple Therapy

$ 150 Per Session
  • In-person or secure online sessions
  • Goal-oriented support for relational challenges
  • Trauma-informed and attachment-based methods
  • One-on-one couple session with confidential guidance
  • Focused on improving relationship communication & connection

Testimonial

David and I have worked together for many years. He is a competent and compassionate therapist. He is professional and kind in his care for his clients.

Rosemarie Wheeler Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT, CCTP

David knows his DBT. If you are looking for some support in gaining tools to tolerate and manage your emotions, David is a warm, honest therapist that can really help! He is genuine, authentic and really cares about his clients. I highly recommend working with David!

Kendra Claire Wilhelm Marriage & Family Therapist, BS, MA, LMFT (she, her)

David Thurman is a highly skilled DBT-informed clinician with a calm, steady presence. He brings clarity, warmth, and structure to his work, helping clients feel grounded while developing practical skills for lasting emotional and relational change.

David R Butters Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Ready to Begin Your Journey Toward Healing?