Courtney Nelson

Compassionate, experienced guidance for life changes

LICSW Rhode Island

Experience: 22 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Courtney

Courtney Nelson is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) based in Rhode Island who brings 22 years of professional experience to her work with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, and struggles with self-esteem and motivation.

Background and approach

She emphasizes a respectful, sensitive, and compassionate stance, shaping conversations and care to match each client's particular circumstances and goals. Her practice supports those navigating life transitions, loss, caregiving strains, chronic illness, relationship and family challenges, and emotional difficulties such as guilt, shame, and isolation.

She draws on evidence-informed methods including cognitive behavioral techniques, client-centered listening, narrative approaches, and solution-focused strategies to help clients find practical ways forward. Recognizing that beginning therapy takes courage, she collaborates with clients to create a tailored plan that honors their values and preferences.

Courtney aims to be a steady source of guidance and support as clients work toward greater balance, clarity, and well-being.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Courtney integrates cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered therapy into her online work. Cognitive behavioral approaches focus on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety and low mood, using practical exercises and structured conversations. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathic listening and collaboration, giving clients space to explore feelings while the therapist reflects and supports the person's own problem-solving and sense of agency.

Determining the best approach is a collaborative process. She will work with clients to assess needs, goals, and preferences and adjust methods over time so the therapeutic style fits the individual. That partnership helps shape goals and the techniques used during sessions.

Online sessions are offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care during life transitions, manage practical barriers to attendance, and use brief check-ins or longer conversations as needed.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns can I bring to therapy?

Courtney works with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem challenges, and coping with life changes. Additional areas include caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, relationship and family problems, and mood concerns.

What is Courtney's therapeutic style?

She combines client-centered listening with structured techniques such as cognitive behavioral approaches, narrative methods, and solution-focused strategies to tailor care to each person's needs and goals.

How much professional experience does she have?

She has 22 years of professional experience working with a range of emotional and life challenges in clinical settings.

What are her credentials and where is she located?

She holds the LICSW credential with the license designation RI LICSW ISW01974 and practices in Rhode Island.

Does she provide services in languages other than English?

Sessions are offered in English only, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats are available?

Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on availability and preference.

How is cost handled for therapy sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with this therapist?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Self esteem Coping with life changes

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsDivorce and separationFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

22+ years

Licensed

Rhode Island

Languages

English