Gary Nelson, LCSW

Gary Nelson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Indiana with 17 years of experience in clinical practice. He also serves as an associate faculty member at a major, nationally accredited university in Indiana, combining clinical work with teaching and supervision. Gary has extensive experience working with the LGBT community and brings a strengths-based perspective to individual and family therapy, helping people identify and use their own resources to address challenges.

His primary focus has been on supporting individuals and families as they learn healthier ways to cope and relate to one another. Gary's manner is personable and laid back, and he aims to create a space where people can build a clearer voice and practical strategies rather than simply hear reassuring platitudes. He seeks to partner with clients to tackle personal, relational, and family concerns with honesty and respect.

As a licensed clinician and educator, Gary integrates practical approaches that help clients set achievable goals, explore options, and strengthen communication and coping skills. He welcomes clients who are ready to work on issues affecting their relationships, identity, or everyday functioning, and he looks forward to working with new clients who want grounded, collaborative help.

Online approaches grounded in collaboration and skill building

Gary Nelson draws on client-centered therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where clients are seen as the experts on their own lives; this approach emphasizes listening, empathy, and building a therapeutic relationship that supports personal growth and stronger family connections.

He also integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, a practical approach that helps people identify unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and develop concrete strategies to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and related concerns. When appropriate, mindfulness therapy is used to teach attention and stress management skills that can improve emotional regulation and present-moment awareness.

Finding the right approach is part of the process, and Gary Nelson works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. He tailors sessions to what will most effectively support the client while adjusting methods over time as goals evolve.

Online therapy with Gary is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which makes scheduling more flexible and allows therapy to fit into busy lives. These options can make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from home, and engage in therapy in formats that feel most comfortable for each client.