Josh Nielsen, MS, LMHCA
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate
(206) 388-3929 | [email protected]
I offer compassionate Christian counseling for children, teens, couples, adult individuals, and families. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma or PTSD, chemical dependency, relationship issues, or other concerns, I believe in your ability to heal and recover with God’s help through faith-based therapy. I have personally witnessed how dramatically the Lord can transform a person for good, and I am eager to see how He works in your life and circumstances. With kindness and empathy, I will walk alongside you as we determine the best steps to help you experience the growth and renewal you desire.
Silverdale – Mon, Tue, Wed & Sat
Puyallup – Thu & Fri
Online (WA Only) – Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat
Are you ready to see things in a new light – God’s light? Maybe your own light isn’t working or stopped burning. Maybe you finally understand that your own light cannot guide you home. In our time together, my hope is that you will learn new coping skills and practical strategies to serve you well throughout your life. During the process of working together, my aim is for you to gain more optimistic perspectives on your life, a sense of instilled hope, and a stronger, renewed relationship with the Lord. As a Christian therapist, I seek to share the love of Jesus with my clients and serve each individual with a spirit of giving, selflessness, and loving kindness. I have seen the power of God in my own life and look forward to witnessing His work in yours as well.
My Goal as a Christian Counselor
As you begin to share and express the issues you are grappling with, I am here to support you in gaining clarity and peace, viewing each concern through a compassionate, Christ-centered lens. As a Christian counselor, my aim is to help you view your experiences in a way that deepens your relationship with God, inviting His wisdom and grace into your personal growth and healing journey.
What I Offer in Christian Counseling
I offer a welcoming space where you can bring whatever is on your heart and mind. In our sessions, I will follow your lead regarding what you would like to discuss and which issues might be bothering you. I will listen attentively to your story and ask questions in order to learn more and best meet your needs. Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and a strength-based approach, we will work together to find solutions and hope.
My Approach to Christian Counseling
By taking a Christian approach to counseling, we can be confident that the Lord is present with us in our sessions, before our sessions, and after our sessions. He is our only hope. Through faith-based therapy, we have the opportunity to address issues and concerns from every aspect of life – physical, emotional, mental, relational, and spiritual. It becomes more than just addressing symptoms on a surface level. When we include God in the equation and rely on Him for direction, guidance, and purpose, counseling becomes a place where your soul can be cared for, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Qualifications & Experience
I hold a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling (MS) from University of Wisconsin – Stout and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature (BA) from Portland State University. In addition to being your mental health counselor, I am also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and have extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities, workplace injuries, and more.
My Call to Christian Counseling
I decided to be a counselor because I believe that all people have the capacity for inner change, given helpful, professional guidance. I truly enjoy working with clients, assisting them in realizing and achieving their goals, and reflecting on their personal improvements and challenges. I have had numerous experiences with God that have brought me closer to Him and increased my desire to help others. God has called me to be a Christian counselor in the most unexpected ways!
More About Me/On a Personal Note
I am a singer-songwriter and musician. I enjoy playing live shows and improving at guitar and drums. I love the outdoors, especially hiking and camping. I am an avid listener of audiobooks. I value friendship and enjoy meeting kind people with similar interests.
Areas of Expertise/Specialties
- Abandonment and Neglect
- Addiction
- ADHD
- Aging and Geriatric Issues
- Alcoholism
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Bipolar Disorder
- Chemical Dependency
- Coaching
- Counseling for Children
- Counseling for Teens
- Couples Counseling
- Codependency
- Counseling in Spanish
- Depression
- Family Counseling
- Gambling
- Grief and Loss
- Group Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Infidelity and Affairs
- Lifespan Integration
- Marriage Counseling
- Men’s Issues
- OCD
- Online Counseling
- Personal Development
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Premarital Counseling
- Professional Development
- Psychiatric Care Services
- Relationship Issues
- Sex and Porn Addiction
- Sexual Abuse
- Spiritual Development
- Substance use
- Trauma
- Weight Loss
Anxiety
Dwelling on the uncertainties of the future and considering all of the “What ifs?” can lead to frequent symptoms of anxiety. In our sessions together, we will work to identify the causes of your anxiety and develop a customized treatment plan to address your symptoms. With God’s enabling, it is possible to overcome anxiety. He is able and willing to give us His peace that passes understanding.
Chemical Dependency
Chemical dependency is a difficult struggle – but freedom is possible. You don’t have to remain stuck in this lifestyle. Those who have broken free from the grip of drugs and/or alcohol often testify that it was the best decision they’ve ever made. As your counselor, I will walk alongside you in this process to help you experience positive change and lasting hope, with God’s help and strength.
Depression
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, perhaps you feel as if you can hardly move your body. Maybe you’ve thought to yourself, “What’s the point? Who cares what I do or don’t do?” If you’re struggling with feelings of despair and despondency, hope is available. In our sessions together, we can discover effective tools and techniques that align with God’s Word in order to help you climb out of the darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
If you have experienced trauma, it’s common to have lasting aftereffects known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Perhaps you have a lingering, foreboding feeling: “I just know it’s going to happen again.” Using proven therapeutic techniques combined with faith-based interventions, I can help you refocus your mind and body so you’re able to lay aside your fears and concentrate on the facts. Recovery is possible, with God’s help.
Porn Addiction
Pornography can be a powerful pull for many people. Please know that you are not alone in your struggle, and help is available. With God’s guidance and through the power of the Holy Spirit within you, it’s possible to break free from the hold of porn addiction. In our sessions we’ll consider the spiritual forces at play in this battle and learn how to implement practical strategies for overcoming, relying on God’s strength.
Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.
Availability (by office location):
- Puyallup – Thursday and Friday
- Silverdale – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday
- Online (WA Only) – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals, couples, and groups looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session, the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment, the full fee per session is required at the time of service.
Insurance: As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover children, adolescents, individuals, and couples.
Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.