Team of Professionals

Susan Nelson, L.C.S.W.

Individual (Adults) and Couples Therapist

Susan Nelson completed her undergraduate degree at Hood College and her master’s degree in social work at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Social Work. She also completed a post-master’s program at Smith College. Ms. Nelson has been in private practice for 45 years.

Ms. Nelson enjoys working with her clients to develop treatment goals and facilitate personal growth in their lives. She uses an eclectic approach integrating a developmental perspective in exploring family of origin issues as they relate to the client’s presenting concerns. Her style is collaborative, empathic, practical and interpersonal. Ms. Nelson often incorporates attachment theory, the development of emotional boundaries, and the power of gratitude in her work with individuals as well as with couples. She has found the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) particularly helpful in her work with couples. Her long-term interest in the unique features of women’s issues has evolved with the changes in society. She has also found the research by Brené Brown on shame and vulnerability provides useful language to alleviate self-doubt, anxiety and depression. Ms. Nelson also works with clients around the experiences of grief and loss, including the loss of a pet. Her decades of experience have offered her the opportunity to help clients deal with their uniquely complicated life issues.