Hello!

I’m Morgan Nelson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a lifelong commitment to supporting individuals on their healing journeys. With over two decades of experience in social work, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people transform their lives, especially through trauma-informed therapy. My passion is to create a safe, empowering space for my clients, allowing them to heal both mind and body with compassion, respect, and dedication.

Education

My journey into the world of social work began at the University of California, Irvine, where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Social Behavior, graduating magna cum laude in 2004. This education fueled my understanding of human behavior and gave me the foundation I needed to help people facing profound challenges. I then earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Southern California, specializing in Child Welfare and School Social Work. During my time at USC, I also earned a Pupil Personnel Services Credential, enabling me to provide mental health support in school settings and serve as an advocate for students’ well-being.

Experience

I began my career working with individuals facing the complexities of dual diagnoses, treating clients grappling with both mental health challenges and substance abuse. As a therapist, I provided both individual and group therapy, addressing trauma, addiction, and the deep-seated issues often connected to them. This role taught me the profound impact of integrated treatment and the resilience that comes from facing one’s pain with the right support—a belief I carry into my work with trauma survivors today.

From there, I became a school social worker where I worked in junior high, high school, and community day school settings. In these roles, I supported students with behavioral and mental health concerns, managed crises, led social skills groups, and offered vital support for students facing bullying, identity issues, trauma histories, and family challenges. I learned firsthand the power of early intervention and holistic care in helping young people overcome obstacles and thrive.

For eight years, I worked per diem as a Clinical Social Worker in a hospital setting where I provided critical support to patients and families navigating grief, loss, and trauma. I responded to emergencies and crisis situations, offering immediate psychosocial interventions and counseling. My work focused on helping individuals cope with medical crises, trauma, and emotional distress, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care. I also provided ongoing emotional support for those dealing with grief, loss, and the psychological impacts of illness and injury.

For nearly two decades, I have served with a government agency specializing in forensic child abuse investigations, adoptions, and comprehensive and complex psychological assessments. This role has given me a depth of experience in working with children and families who have endured trauma and crisis. Through thorough biopsychosocial assessments, I evaluated potential adoptive families to ensure the right fit, prioritizing each child’s safety and well-being. I conducted forensic investigations to protect children from harm, drawing on clinical skills to assess mental fitness, family dynamics, and relational stability. Every day, I witnessed the courage and resilience of children and families navigating complex trauma, and it was deeply fulfilling to support them in finding safety, healing, and permanency. This work has shaped my current trauma therapy practice by teaching me the importance of understanding trauma's lasting impact on individuals and families and the transformative potential of healing.

Niche

My work as a trauma therapist is my greatest joy. In my private practice, I specialize in brain-based trauma therapy, using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting to help clients safely process and release trauma stored in the brain and body. I am proud to be an EMDRIA EMDR Certified Therapist™ and Certified Brainspotting Therapist™. These powerful approaches allow clients to unlock trauma that traditional talk therapy can sometimes struggle to reach. Watching clients move through deeply rooted pain, shed long-held patterns, find peace and transform into their highest selves is incredibly rewarding.

The transformations I see in clients are nothing short of inspiring. Many come to therapy burdened by years—even decades—of trauma, anxiety, depression, or addiction. Through our work, they experience relief from symptoms, find confidence, rebuild relationships, and, in many cases, reclaim parts of themselves they felt were lost. I have seen lives genuinely changed as clients gain freedom from traumatic memories and emotional distress. Every session holds the possibility of a breakthrough, and I am honored to be a part of each client’s journey to healing.

In my approach, I also embrace the role of spirituality in mental health. I am a Reiki practitioner and with client consent, I offer Reiki as an adjunct to our trauma processing work. I believe that integrating mind, body, and spirit creates the foundation for true healing and long-term well-being.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. If my story and approach resonate with you, I welcome the opportunity to work together and support your healing path.