About Gwendolyn Nelson, LMFT

I’m here to help you build a relationship that feels more connected, secure and fulfilling.

I’m a California-based therapist who specializes in helping couples heal old wounds, grow together through life challenges, and reconnect with one another.

Heal what’s hurting

Grow together

Connect with one another

Born and raised in the Bay Area, I’m a California girl at heart. A lover of the outdoors, hiking, and fresh air, most weekends you can find me exploring a new trail, enjoying the beach or wandering through my local plant store. I believe that having strong, healthy relationships, whether with your partner, friends or family is one of the most important ingredients for a happy life. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to helping people build lasting and fulfilling relationships.

You’re here because something in your relationship isn’t working the way you want it to, and you’re looking for someone who can help you find a way forward.

My approach combines evidence-based couples therapy with warmth, honesty, and practical tools to help you understand what’s happening between you and your partner and develop the skills to create meaningful change.

I'm an active therapist, meaning, I ask questions, point out patterns and actions and help you to get to the root of what really brought you into my virtual office.  Past clients have described me as gentle, caring, nurturing, understanding and unshockable. 

There is a balance to be found in therapy. I hold space for my clients’ thoughts and emotions while creating an environment of safety and encouragement that allows them to try new ways of approaching old patterns, problems, and challenging feelings.

I believe it is possible to heal, grow, and create fulfilling relationships. I also understand that change and vulnerability can feel scary. With the right support and a willingness to try something different, you can begin to feel better, understand yourself and your relationships more deeply, and create meaningful change.

How I work:

Couples therapy is not about rehashing old arguments.

At the core of my approach is a belief that therapy should be both compassionate and purposeful. I use evidence-based approaches to help you understand the patterns keeping you stuck and develop practical skills to create meaningful change. While your history matters, couples therapy isn’t about rehashing old arguments. It’s about learning to respond differently, communicate more effectively, and build a healthier, more connected relationship.

Therapy with me is…

  • My approach is grounded in research and evidence based therapies that have been shown to help people and relationships change. You’ll learn practical skills and strategies that you can use outside of our sessions.

  • Therapy with me is not about endlessly rehashing old arguments or problems. We’ll work to understand the patterns keeping you stuck and focus on what you can do differently to create meaningful change.

  • Therapy should feel like a safe place to be honest, vulnerable, and truly heard. I’ll meet you with compassion while also gently challenging you to try new ways of thinking, communicating, and responding.

Specializing in…

Affair Recovery

01

Gottman Therapy

02

Communication Breakdowns

03

My Training & Education

    • MA Education - University of California Santa Cruz

    • MA Clinical Psychology - Antioch University Santa Barbara

    • California LMFT #84535

    • Oregon MFT #T2169

    • Completion of level 3 Gottman Method Couples Therapy

    • Trained in helping couples recovering from affairs and trauma

    • Bringing Baby Home Facilitator

    • Level 1 IFS Internal Family Systems trained

    • California Association of Marraige and Family Therapists

Get in touch

Schedule a Consultation

Heal . Grow . Connect

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Heal . Grow . Connect —