Todd Nelson , LCPC

Todd Nelson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Central Illinois with 30 years of experience in the mental health field. He began his working life as a millwright and carpenter, returned to school when the job market shifted in the early 1980s, and then joined the Air Force to support his young family, serving ten years of active duty including deployment during Desert Storm.

After leaving the military he pursued a master’s degree in counseling while working as an on-call therapist at an outpatient mental health clinic. He later served as a full-time therapist at that clinic and at an inpatient facility for youth, and in 2009 accepted a position as a Mental Health Professional with the Illinois Department of Corrections. Over his career he has worked across outpatient, inpatient, and correctional settings and brings practical experience with a wide range of life challenges.

His counseling style is person-centered and solution-focused, described by him as helping the individual - the captain of their own ship - navigate life without relying on clinical jargon. He is known for a relaxed, straightforward approach that prioritizes practical strategies and collaboration. Outside of his professional life he enjoys motorcycling and woodworking. He holds the LCPC credential - Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - and his Illinois license number is IL LCPC 180.003983. He is not accepting new clients at this time.

Client-Centered and Solution-Focused Options for Online Support

Todd draws on client-centered therapy, which emphasizes understanding each person’s perspective and building a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship so clients can explore their goals and values. This approach is well suited to issues like self-esteem, life purpose, and coping with change.

He also uses solution-focused methods that concentrate on identifying practical steps and past successes to create forward momentum, often helpful for stress, anxiety, and problem-solving in relationships or work life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another tool he employs to help people identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression, anxiety, or sleep difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Todd works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and he adjusts strategies as progress is made.

Online therapy provides flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing sessions to fit into busy schedules and different life situations. These formats help make consistent support more accessible while keeping the focus on meaningful, practical work with a licensed professional.