Todd Nelson, LCPC

Todd Nelson grew up in Central Illinois and continues to live and work there, bringing decades of life experience to his clinical practice. His early career began in skilled trades as a millwright and carpenter, but economic shifts in the early 1980s led him back to school and into the Air Force to support his young family. After serving around the time of Desert Storm and completing ten years of active duty, he transitioned from military service to graduate training in counseling.

While earning a master’s degree, he gained experience as an on-call therapist at an outpatient mental health clinic and later held full-time clinical roles there and at an inpatient facility for youth. In 2009 he joined the Illinois Department of Corrections as a full-time Mental Health Professional. Across these positions he has accumulated extensive experience in the mental health field, supporting people through stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, mood disorders, and many life transitions.

His counseling style is relaxed and practical, rooted in a person-centered outlook and a solution-focused orientation. He prefers straightforward conversation over technical jargon and aims to help each person navigate their own “ship” through life. Outside of clinical work he enjoys motorcycling and woodworking. He is currently accepting new clients, though evening appointments are not available, and he manages his own scheduling; interested people are asked to indicate preferred meeting times when reaching out.

Client-Centered and Solution-Focused Care Online

Todd Nelson draws from client-centered therapy and solution-focused therapy to guide online work. Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening with empathy and respecting each person’s goals - the therapist supports clients as they explore feelings, values, and choices to find their own path. Solution-focused therapy targets practical, achievable steps and helps clients identify strengths and small changes that lead toward desired outcomes.

He approaches treatment collaboratively, recognizing that finding the right method is part of the process. The therapist and client work together to determine which techniques best match the client’s needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the approach over time as progress and priorities evolve.

Online sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules and for those who cannot attend in-person appointments. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from home or work, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable, while still working with a licensed professional toward meaningful change.