About Nelli

Nelli LaValle is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who supports adults and LGBTQIA+ clients navigating life transitions, complex trauma, neurodivergent experiences, and emotional overwhelm. She brings a steady, compassionate, and collaborative presence to her work, meeting clients exactly where they are and walking alongside them through change at their own pace.

She enjoys working with individuals who are exploring how to build healthier coping strategies, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop a clearer sense of identity and direction. Nelli is especially passionate about helping clients understand both their internal experiences and how external environments shape patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating.

Her work often supports clients in moving toward greater self-actualization, stability, and self-understanding.

Training & Credentials

• Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

• Master of Social Work, The Ohio State University

• Undergraduate studies in Psychology and Women’s Studies

• Experience across private practice, community mental health, inpatient/residential treatment, and other clinical settings

Approach

Nelli’s approach is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and integrative, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with a growing emphasis on the mind-body connection.

She focuses on helping clients understand how thoughts and emotions interact, while also exploring how experiences are held in the body and influenced by environmental and systemic factors. Her work emphasizes both insight and practical skill-building to support lasting change.

Nelli values collaboration and consistency, working with clients to identify strengths, increase awareness, and develop tools that support emotional regulation and resilience.

What to Expect

In early sessions, Nelli focuses on getting to know you and understanding your experiences, current challenges, and hopes for therapy.

She recognizes that intake sessions can feel overwhelming or awkward, and she prioritizes creating a space where clients can settle in at their own pace without pressure.

Therapy with Nelli is paced collaboratively, ensuring clients feel safe, respected, and supported as they begin the process of self-exploration and change.

A Bit Outside the Office

Outside of her work, Nelli enjoys spending time with friends, cooking, dining out, practicing yoga, attending live music, and relaxing with her cats.

A Note from Nelli

Nelli understands that starting therapy can feel intimidating, and she views that nervousness as a completely normal part of the process.

She believes therapy is a space where clients deserve time, attention, and support as they figure out how they want to move through the world at a pace that feels right for them.