Laurie Nelson, MSW, LICSW

Whether seeing clients individually, as couples, or as families, I believe in taking a family systems perspective. I work collaboratively with clients to define pragmatic goals, listen empathetically, and draw from an eclectic range of therapeutic ideas, including Adlerian play therapy, structural family therapy, strategic family therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and narrative therapy.

I am comfortable working with clients struggling with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and recovery from trauma or abuse. With children, I also work with behavioral concerns, parent-child relationships, and adjustment concerns. I have experience working with child protective services. I have worked with children and families in foster and adoptive homes, and with birth parents in situations involving fostering and adoption.

I received my undergraduate degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa. I have additional training in Adlerian play therapy, family systems theory, Attachment BioBehavioral Catch-Up (ABC) therapy, and Circle of Security. I have extensive experience in working in in-home settings with families experiencing issues of abuse and neglect.

I have provided in-school services for children and families struggling with behavioral issues, anxiety and depression, and adjustment concerns. I have also provided outpatient services, working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples, and am currently employed in an outpatient setting. I have a strong belief in the healing powers that we all possess inside of us. I am passionate about guiding and witnessing clients access those healing powers.