Cory Nelson , LPC

Cory Nelson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in South Dakota with 25 years of clinical experience. He has supported people across the lifespan, working with clients as young as three and as old as eighty-five, helping them navigate concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, addiction, grief, parenting challenges, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep difficulties, anger, and self-esteem struggles.

Cory pairs compassion with a collaborative style, meeting people where they are and helping them identify practical goals for change. His approach blends client-centered therapy, which focuses on empathy and the client-therapist relationship, with cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people understand and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. That combination supports work on mood disorders, panic and phobias, bipolar conditions, ADHD, and co-occurring issues that often accompany first responder and veteran experiences.

Influenced early on by the Spider-Man maxim "With great power comes great responsibility," Cory emphasizes respect, responsibility, and steady support in the counseling relationship. He aims to create an environment where people feel understood and supported as they begin what can be a challenging journey. Cory is accepting new clients, including international clients, and offers a range of remote session options to accommodate different needs and schedules.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and building a trusting relationship. It gives clients space to explore their values and goals while the therapist offers acceptance and guidance to support self-directed growth. This approach can be helpful for concerns like grief, relationship and intimacy issues, self-esteem, and navigating life changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It uses practical strategies and exercises to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and phobias, and to develop healthier coping skills for stress and sleep problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Cory works collaboratively to determine what fits each person's needs, goals, and preferences. He combines these methods as appropriate and adjusts strategies over time based on progress and feedback.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, allowing people to access sessions from home or while balancing work and family commitments. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to fit therapy into busy schedules while working with licensed professionals who tailor treatment to each individual's circumstances.