Abbie Nelson, MA

My educational background includes a Masters degree in Counseling & Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and my training has focused on supporting children, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate emotional, relational, and developmental challenges. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel understood and encouraged as they learn skills to make everyday life feel more manageable.

When working with children, I focus on making therapy engaging and developmentally appropriate. I draw on play therapy techniques, emotion identification and regulation skills, and behavioral strategies to support children in expressing themselves, managing strong emotions, and practicing healthy coping skills. I also enjoy collaborating with caregivers to create consistency across settings, which helps children feel supported and more confident as they carry these skills into daily life. Through this process, children can learn to build resilience, deepen their emotional awareness, and develop tools they may continue to carry with them as they grow.

With adolescents and young adults, I support clients facing concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, and relationship challenges. This stage of life often brings unique pressures and therapy provides a supportive space to process these experiences. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based practices to guide this work. Through these approaches, clients can learn to challenge unhelpful thought patterns, regulate emotions, and strengthen coping strategies. My goal is to help clients feel better equipped to manage difficulties while also building a stronger sense of who they are and where they want to go.

My clinical interests include anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, self-esteem and identity concerns, life transitions, and emotional regulation difficulties.

Outside of my work, I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Educational Background

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology-

College of Saint Benedict, 2023

Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services-

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, 2025