Meet Carrie Nelson, LCSW!

Hi, I’m Carrie!

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the heart behind Carrie’s Compassion Corner.

I work with young adults, especially Black women and other women of color who are used to being the strong one. The one people rely on. The one who keeps it together, even when it’s exhausting.

If that’s you, you probably don’t struggle because you’re “not doing enough.”
You’re tired because you’ve been carrying so much for so long.

That’s something I understand, not just professionally, but personally.

I grew up learning how to shrink myself, stay quiet, and manage everything on my own to keep the peace. I know what it feels like to question if you’re “too much” or somehow still “not enough” at the same time. To hold yourself to high standards, but rarely feel like you can rest in who you are.

My own healing came from learning how to trust myself, unlearn perfectionism, and make space for the parts of me I used to hide. That’s what shapes how I show up in therapy now. Grounded, real, and deeply compassionate.

In our work together, you don’t have to over-explain yourself or filter your experiences. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You get to show up as you are whether that’s overwhelmed, guarded, unsure, or just tired.

Outside of therapy, I’m someone who values slow moments, creativity, and building a life that actually feels good, not just one that looks good on paper. Whether I’m working on my business, spending quality time with my husband and dog, creating, or just enjoying quiet time, I’m always coming back to the same thing I encourage my clients to practice: giving yourself permission to be human!

If you’re ready for a space where you don’t have to hold it all together, I’d love to connect.
You’re welcome here, exactly as you are.

A happy cream-colored dog with curly fur, wearing a colorful bandana, standing indoors on a beige carpet.

Meet Tucker – Administrative Assistant & Chief Comfort Officer

Tucker is the unofficial (but very serious) administrative assistant at Carrie’s Compassion Corner. His daily duties include supervising from his favorite nap spot, ensuring the office stays calm, and reminding everyone that breaks are important.

While you may occasionally hear him in the background during sessions, Tucker is always working behind the scenes to support a warm, grounded, and welcoming space. His presence reflects the heart of this practice — gentle, comforting, and rooted in compassion.

Special Skills:

  • Emotional support supervision

  • Break-time enforcement

  • Package arrival alerts

  • Professional napping

  • Mood detection (especially when you think you’re hiding it)

  • Emotional support… on his own terms

  • Expert in doing the exact opposite of what was just asked

  • Background presence during important moments

Fun Fact: Believes every workday should include snacks and belly rubs!

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”

— Dalai Lama

This is the kind of space I strive to create—one where compassion isn’t earned, it’s given freely.

How I Show Up in Therapy

In therapy with me, you can expect a calm, steady presence and someone who isn’t rushing you, analyzing you harshly, or expecting you to spill everything at once. I move at your pace. I follow your lead. And I pay close attention to the things you don’t say just as much as the things you do.

My style is warm, gentle, and deeply human. You won’t get a clinical, cold, “tell me your symptoms” experience here. You’ll get a therapist who genuinely cares, who sits with you in the hard moments, and who celebrates your growth whether big or small.

I show up with compassion, curiosity, and honesty. Some days therapy might feel reflective and quiet; other days it may feel like relief because you finally get to be real without worrying about being “too much.” My goal is to help you feel safe enough to take off the mask, go deeper when you’re ready, and find clarity in your own voice.

This space is for you. Your pace, your truth, your healing.