Relational Psychodynamic Therapy in Overland Park, Kansas
Hi, I’m Brandon Nelson.
I’m a relational psychodynamic therapist, which is a clinical way of saying that I believe the relationship between us is the main thing that helps you change rather than just the techniques I bring into the room.
What that means in practice
We are born in relationships, harmed in relationships, and healed in relationships. Healing within relationship is easy to say but challenging to do because real healing requires two real people. I don’t try to stay neutral or invisible in our work together. I bring my whole self into the room, including my reactions, my noticing, and my own humanity.
I used to believe that a good therapist should offer constant and unconditional positive regard. I don’t believe that anymore. No relationship in your life is unconditionally positive, and pretending that ours is would make it less real, not more helpful. I’d rather be authentic with you than perform a version of “supportive” that keeps both of us at a safe distance from each other.
I’ve learned that what clients value most isn’t a therapist with the right answer. It’s a therapist willing to sit with them in the uncertainty. That’s the kind of presence I aim to offer.
Faith incorporation
Faith is a topic of importance for many of my clients. Faith represents something different for everyone. It is important that my clients know that faith can be as much or as little a part of the counseling process as they would like.
A bit about my background
I hold a Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy. I’m also a Certified Sexual Addiction Treatment Provider (SATP-C). Additionally, I completed a two-year certificate in Relational Psychodynamic Therapy plus a third-year training in relational supervision. During this training I had the privilege of being directly supervised by Roy Barsness, one of the leading voices in Relational Psychodynamic Therapy today. I’ve been practicing since 2017 and currently teach as an adjunct professor in the graduate counseling program at MidAmerica Nazarene University, my own alma mater. I also hold an undergraduate degree in ministry, which often comes in handy for clients exploring questions of faith.
If you’re looking for a therapist who will tell you what to do, I’m probably not your best fit. If you’re looking for someone who is willing to be genuinely present with you, even with the messier, imperfect, honest parts of yourself, I’d love to talk.