We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Teri Nelson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Teri with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is inspired by my mother, who raised three children on her own. She worked tirelessly to provide for us, often sharing stories of her own resilience and dedication. Her ability to be both driven and nurturing taught me the importance of balancing hard work with compassion. In my work as a therapist and business owner, I strive to embody her example by pursuing my goals with the same dedication while creating a supportive space where my clients feel secure and understood.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a licensed therapist based in South Scottsdale, where I work with motivated individuals seeking to find balance and resilience amidst difficult emotions stemming from past experiences. My clients are often looking to quiet recurring self-doubt, lessen emotional pain, and overcome patterns that keep them feeling stuck. I provide a compassionate space where they can explore, heal, and build practical tools to handle life’s challenges. With over two decades in the mental health field and 14 years as a licensed therapist, I bring a seasoned perspective to this work that helps my clients feel understood and supported.
What excites me most about my practice is the continual growth—both mine and my clients’. I’m always learning from ongoing training and from the unique journeys of each client, which keeps me dedicated to improving the quality of care I offer. My approach is authentic and safe, with room for honesty and even laughter. I want my clients to feel comfortable being themselves, knowing they have a safe space to explore, find strength, and move beyond cycles of trauma and overwhelm.
This past year marked my practice’s second anniversary, and I’m proud to have launched a new men’s therapy group to address a need I’ve seen for men to have a supportive space to share challenges and develop strategies together. I look forward to creating more groups in the future, continuing to support individual clients, and advocating for each client’s journey. Currently, I’m accepting new clients, and I’m excited to bring fresh perspectives and dedicated support to those ready to take that next step.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey as a therapist and private practice owner: grit, resourcefulness, and compassion.
First, grit has been essential. Starting a business takes courage, perseverance, and a belief in yourself and your abilities. There were many challenges along the way, but believing in my skills and the experience I’d gained helped me push through. Early in my studies, an academic advisor doubted my path, which only strengthened my resolve. I went on to earn my Master’s, complete licensing exams across states, and open my own practice. My advice? Don’t let obstacles define you; let them fuel you. Keep moving forward, even when others doubt you.
Resourcefulness has also been key. I’ve relied on support from my faith, partner, colleagues, and others in the mental health community, learning a great deal from the experiences of other women who have successfully built their own practices. Seek out wisdom, whether from mentors, colleagues, or those sharing insights online. Each bit of guidance builds a foundation for success.
Lastly, compassion has been vital—not just for my clients but for myself. This work requires empathy, and self-compassion helps me stay balanced and avoid burnout, making me a better therapist and a better person for myself, my family and my friends. My advice is to prioritize your well-being and develop practices to recharge so that you can offer your best to others.
In the early stages, focus on building resilience, learning from those around you, and remembering to nurture yourself as you grow. These qualities will support you as you develop into the professional you aspire to be.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to some of the techniques I often share with clients, such as mindfulness and breathing exercises. These help me reconnect with the present moment and regain balance. Being outdoors also helps; even stepping into my backyard for a few minutes, soaking up the sun, or spending time with my dog, Bailey, or our cat, Matcha, can be very grounding. I also lean on my faith, whether through prayer or calming music, which helps me feel more calm and grounded.
One specific grounding method I recommend is engaging your five senses. A well-known strategy is the ‘5-4-3-2-1’ technique, which involves identifying five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Using your senses in this way can help bring you back to the present and soothe any anxiety. My advice? Find small, meaningful ways to reconnect with yourself and use tools like this to find calm, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.livelightcounseling.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/live_light_counselor
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-nelson-lpc/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/live-light-counseling-scottsdale
Image Credits
Patricia Combs, Alexis Sams, Lizzie Miller
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
