Meet Cheryl Nelson, MSW, RSW

I have always been drawn to the quiet spaces — where emotion lives beneath the surface, where stories are waiting to be heard, and where healing begins with feeling truly seen. Therapy, for me, is not just a profession — it’s a calling. I hold deep reverence for the courage it takes to show up in therapy, and I meet each person with warmth, curiosity, and care.

Whether you are navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or simply feeling emotionally stuck, I offer a compassionate, client-centered approach that meets you exactly where you are. Emotional Wellness Therapy is a place where you can explore safely, speak freely, and reconnect with your inner truth.

Associations

Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)
Private Practice Roster (ACSW)
International Centre for Excellence In Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEFT)
Calgary Chamber of Commerce

Areas of Practice

My Training and Experience

I hold a Master of Social Work from Carleton University and bring over 25 years of experience in the clinical and mental health fields, including work with Alberta Health Services. My practice is rooted in deep respect for each person’s emotional landscape and the relationships that shape us.

My clinical foundation is grounded in approaches that honour safety, connection, and growth. I draw from:

Trauma-Informed Care — prioritizes emotional safety, choice, and empowerment in every therapeutic interaction
Systemic and Relationship Counselling — recognizes the interconnected nature of families, couples, and communities
Attachment-Based Therapy (ABT) — supports clients in understanding and reshaping relational patterns rooted in early experiences
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — helps individuals and couples deepen emotional connection and navigate conflict with compassion
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — offers practical tools to shift unhelpful thought patterns and strengthen coping strategies

I have supported individuals, couples, families, children, and adolescents through emotional regulation, conflict, attachment injury, grief, and the tender process of rebuilding. I specialize in working with neurodivergent clients — especially those with ADHD — and have extensive experience in child and adolescent mental health.

Who I Work With

I work with a wide range of clients in Calgary and virtually across Alberta, including:

Adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, and emotional overwhelm
Couples seeking deeper connection and relationship counselling
Families healing from intergenerational patterns and ruptures
Neurodivergent individuals, especially those with ADHD
Children and adolescents facing emotional, behavioural, or developmental challenges
Parents and caregivers wanting to support their children with insight and intention

I also have a particular passion for helping people who feel emotionally “stuck” — those who sense something is not quite right but can’t yet name it. Together, we gently uncover what has been hidden and begin to move toward clarity, connection, and change.

I welcome and support diverse populations across Calgary and beyond, including individuals from varied cultural backgrounds, family structures, gender identities, and lived experiences. My practice is grounded in respect, empathy, and a deep commitment to emotional safety for all. Whether you are navigating systemic stressors, identity-related challenges, or intergenerational trauma, I offer a space where your story is honoured, and your healing is supported.

Therapy that begins with presence, and leads to connection.🌿

A Personal Note

Outside the therapy room, I am drawn to quiet moments, meaningful conversations, and the beauty of growth in nature. I bring humility, heart, and a deep respect for the stories people carry. Clients often tell me they feel truly seen in our sessions — and that is the heart of my work.

Let’s Begin Together

If you are ready to take the next step — or even if you are just curious — I invite you to reach out.

Whether you are an adult longing for emotional clarity, a parent seeking support for your child, or a teen trying to make sense of your world, I am here to listen, to hold space, and to help you find your way back to yourself.

Take the First Step with Me