Michael D. Nelson, CMHC

05/04/2026

“What’s in there?”

Luke asks Yoda before entering the cave.

Yoda’s answer: “Only what you take with you.”

This is one of the most powerful metaphors for anxiety I’ve ever seen.

The fears we avoid often aren’t just “out there”—
they’re shaped by what we carry inside:
past experiences, beliefs, and expectations.

In therapy, we don’t eliminate fear by avoiding it.

We change our relationship to it.

As Joseph Campbell wisely observes:��

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”

��

44 likes, 15 comments. "Therapist uses STAR WARS | YODA | explores FACING FEARS"

01/15/2026

Hi community! I’m excited to share that I’m officially venturing into my own private practice.

I’m truly grateful for my time at Preferred Family Clinic and for the relationships, support, and opportunities to learn and grow there. That experience has shaped me both professionally and personally in so many good ways and prepared me for new adventures ahead.

If you or someone you know is looking for counseling services, feel free to reach out or pass along my information.

Both in-person and secure telehealth options are available, and if you’d like to learn a little more about my services and counseling approach feel free to check out my website below.

https://nelsoncounselingservices.com

09/24/2025

🎤 If you could ask a therapist anything—about media, movies, or gaming—what would it be?

Drop your question in the comments 👇 and we might bring it to the FanX panel this weekend!

📅 Friday, September 26th, 1:00-2:00pm
📍 Room 255A


09/23/2025

“Come join us at FanX!”

In our panel “GAME ON: LEVERAGING MEDIA AND GAMES FOR MENTAL HEALTH” we’ll be diving into how movies, video games, and stories connect with mental health, growth, and wellness—and we want to hear from YOU.

✔ Ask us your toughest questions
✔ Share your fandom connections
✔ Learn how stories shape our minds


📅 Friday, September 26th, 1:00-2:00pm
📍 Room 255A


05/22/2025

FROM A MOVIE-LOVING THERAPIST

Live-action Lilo & Stitch is coming—and like many fans, I’m hopeful it keeps the heart that made the original so special.

While we wait, I made a little video love letter to the original—about family, connection, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable.

Take a couple minutes to check it out—it’s in the comments 💙

05/04/2025

“Happy Star Wars Day! As both a therapist and a lifelong geek, I couldn’t resist making a video that brings together the wisdom of Yoda, the journey of Luke Skywalker, and the power of facing our fears. Mental health is our real-life hero’s journey—and sometimes, the cave we fear to enter is the path to healing. 💫 Check out the video below in the comments section if you could use a little Jedi insight today.

02/10/2025

I’m honored to help facilitate this event alongside Josh Parry, Michael Patrick Jinks, Daniel Singer, and Justin Bolton 🙏

Tickets are free! Contact me to get one. Join us as we create something beautiful and new together.

11/11/2024

“How did we even get here?”

As a therapist I’ve thought a lot about how ALL of us have times in our lives where we ask something similar to this question—when life feels very overwhelming.

A while back I made a video to share about a principle that is helpful to me in difficult times. It is not a ‘cure all’. But for me, it helps a little to remember the heroes in one of my favorite stories and how they demonstrated great courage and resilience in the face of terrible odds.

I’ll drop the link to the video down in the comments.

And, if something in the video resonates with you I’d be honored if you’d share it with your friends and fellow travelers.

10/10/2024

Happy Mental Health Day!

What has been one important thing for *you* that has helped improve your mental health?

10/05/2024

WARNING ⚠️

Apparently there is someone out there impersonating my account/name and reaching out to people I know via messenger; do not interact with them or share any of your info with them; I can’t find their profile by searching but if they reach out to you, just report them.

They are using the name “Michael David Nelson II”.

08/12/2024

As a parent, former high-school teacher, and currently working as a therapist ,I know that the start of school can be a very stressful time for families. ��I’d like to share a principle that I think can be helpful. [I’ve put the video link in the comment section of the post].

I find the principle of “do the next right thing” very helpful when we are stressed, during times of transition (and even in heaviness of grief work).

During the next couple days remember to take a breath and not over-do it. Be gentle with yourself. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or school-age youth — Remember, you got this!