Jonathan R. Nelson III, MSW, LCSW, MCAP, QS

I’m Jonathan R. Nelson III, MSW, LCSW, MCAP, QS. I help adults and couples make sense of difficult patterns, strengthen the skills they need, and take practical steps toward healthier lives and relationships.

My Experience and Credentials

I earned a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Central Florida and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida. I am also a Master Certified Addiction Professional, a Qualified Supervisor for Registered Clinical Social Worker Interns, and a Certified Anger Management Treatment Specialist and Trauma Informed Trained Therapist.

Across more than 10 years in the helping profession, I have served as a clinical director, senior substance-use counselor, psychotherapist, and adjunct college instructor. My work has included correctional institutions, nonprofit organizations, group private practice, higher education, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where I have had the privilege of serving Veterans and their families.

What I believe About Therapy

Therapy can be deeply rewarding, but meaningful change is not always comfortable. It may require you to examine beliefs, behaviors, relationships, and decisions that have been difficult to face. My job is not to judge or control you. It is to help you see more clearly, understand your options, build useful skills, and make choices consistent with the life you want.

I truly believe that change is not about assigning blame, but in assuming responsibility appropriately. Responsibility does not mean accepting fault for everything that happened to you. It means identifying what is within your control now and deciding what you want to do with it.

My Style Snapshot

• Warm and respectful
• Direct but not harsh
• Inquisitive but not Interrogative
• Collaborative rather than prescriptive
• Practical and goal-focused
• Grounded in evidence-based methods
• Solution Focused rather than Problem Focused

Faith and Family

My belief in Jesus Christ is central to my life and has shaped how I understand grace, responsibility, hope, and transformation. For clients who desire it, faith can be thoughtfully incorporated into therapy. Clients of all backgrounds are treated with dignity and respect, and spiritual content is never imposed.

Outside of work, I am grateful for my wife, Sarah, and for the joy of being a bonus dad to my daughter, Launa. My own life has included many course corrections, and I value the people who have offered truth, patience, grace, and encouragement along the way.