Addie Nelson, LCSW
Adolescents (13+), College, Young Adults, Adults, Seniors, Couples
OCD, Specific Anxiety Disorders, Phobias, Chronic Illness, Perfectionism, Coping with life transitions, ADHD & Executive functioning, Grief & Loss, Behavioral Issues, Mood Disorders, Value-Driven Change
Hi there! My name is Addie Nelson. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing in the Chicago area for 6 years in a variety of settings. I grew up in the North Shore and understand the unique rewards and challenges it brings. After graduating from New Trier High School, I moved to the Pacific Northwest to attend Seattle University where I earned my BS in Social Work. I then returned home to attend the University of Chicago earning my master’s in clinical social work.
I began my clinical career at Compass Health Center, as a Senior Group Therapist working in the Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Programs. I also bring experience as Supervisor and Leadership Council Member at a family private practice in Evanston. I’m excited to now offer my experience and services at Inspire Counseling Center.
My passion for therapy was inspired by my own mental health journey. Navigating anxiety and depression firsthand gave me a deep understanding of how isolating and confusing it can feel to struggle internally while trying to function in this crazy world. These experiences shaped not only who I am, but how I show up as a friend, family member and therapist. My goal is to walk alongside you, offering both clinical skills and genuine understanding as you work towards meaningful change.
I believe the bravest action a person can take is to ask for help! Wherever you are on your journey, my goal is to create a treatment plan tailored to you that leads towards radical change, nurtured growth, confidence and stability to lead yourself. Therapy is a partnership! Sessions with me are thoughtful but relaxed, structured to be supportive without being rigid, and always centered on meeting you where you are – because growth doesn’t have to feel clinical to be powerful.
Chronic Health Issues
Three years ago, I found myself in the thick of an unknown chronic illness. Prior to my health struggles I had always been a healthy, athletic person, so navigating the challenges of chronic illness alongside mental health forced me to provide myself with grace, the space to grow, accept, and understand my identity in a newfound way. Grief shows up in many ways.
Through my own experience, I have found a great sense of alignment helping others accept and utilize hardships to grieve life transitions, physical and mental health struggles, and navigate the inevitable change which can be difficult to accept and move forward from.
OCD & Anxiety
In addition, I have extensive experience working with OCD and anxiety and have always felt a special place in my heart for exposure work which has led to so many clients breaking free from the constraints of OCD. I incorporate various evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, ACT and ERP Exposure & Response Prevention, but I focus just as much on real human connection and practical tools you can use day-to-day to make life less difficult.
My personal journey taught me the value of being truly seen, respected and met with compassion rather than judgment. Through that, I have experienced and learned that growth is rarely linear, and that progress often comes in small, meaningful steps.
I hope to be a part of your unique journey and help you move toward a life filled with authenticity and compassion. Your journey is your own!
For Fun…
In my free time you can find me reading a book in the sun, taking long trail walks with my husband and our two dogs or finding a new spot to kayak! I have always felt most comfortable outdoors.
