Ray Nelson, LPC (OR), CMHC (UT) , CCMHC

In graduate school, I found myself frustrated by mainstream behavioral models. They often felt rigid, diagnostic, and disconnected from the complexity of being human. In my search for a different way I found Existential philosophy, and through that Existential-Humanistic therapy. EH emphasizes unconditional positive regard, authentic presence, and the client's freedom to define their own values and identity. It is inherently non-judgmental because it sees suffering as a response to meaninglessness or inauthentic living — not as a symptom to be "fixed." This theoretical framework aligns strongly with affirming therapeutic care, especially for clients whose identities have been systematically marginalized.

I’m a queer man. I love the Pacific Northwest, cold weather, rain, and city life. I lived in Portland for over a decade before moving to Washington. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in the trades as a DC power engineer and general contractor. In my spare time, I enjoy bottoming for home renovation projects, being snobbish about craft beer, and watching terrible shark movies. I used to be more outdoorsy, but chronic pain and injury have changed how I move through the world.

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I work remotely with clients in Oregon and Utah.