LGBT therapists in Saginaw, MI

I have been doing this work since 2009 — which means I have sat with a lot of people through a lot of different kinds of hard. I hold a Master's degree in Counseling with a dual focus in professional counseling and marriage and family therapy, and my career has moved through two distinct chapters that have shaped how I practice. The first half was spent in the world of substance use — working with individuals and families where the stakes were high and the complexity was real. The last several years have been in private practice, where I've worked with the full range of human struggle: depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, substance use disorders, parenting stress, and the disorienting moments when life shifts beneath your feet. I work with individuals, couples, and groups. Very few things surprise me at this point — and that's exactly what makes this work feel safe.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, with over 20 years of experience working in the field of psychology. I earned a MS in Behavioral Psychology and a Psy.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University (formerly California School of Professional Psychology). Over the years I have had experience working with various populations with diverse psychological problems. I have expertise in working with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, substance use problems, grief/loss, and couples and family therapy. Within my work, I have experienced successful outcomes in improving people's lives both individually and relationally- within the most meaningful relationships in their lives.

When life gives you lemons...

My education gave me the tools to be a skilled clinician. But it was my own trauma that gave me the insight and depth I bring to this work. I know what it feels like to live in a body that doesn’t feel safe—to question everything, including yourself. I spent over a decade learning how to heal, reclaim my voice, and become the kind of guide I once needed.

In the midst of that long journey, I had a quiet moment of clarity: what I was going through wasn’t just about survival—it was about becoming someone who could walk with others through the dark. That experience grounds my work in both knowledge and deep compassion.

Learning to love the desert

I’ve come to believe that being lost isn’t a problem—it’s part of the path. Like La Loba, the mythical bone-gatherer who wanders the desert collecting what’s been buried and brings it back to life, I help others gather what they’ve lost along the way. That process is sacred, slow, and often surprising—but it’s how we come home to ourselves.

There are parts of you that haven’t died; they’ve just been waiting. And sometimes, when it all falls apart, that’s when the wild, wise parts of you rise again.

For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they work toward healing, growth, and change. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor, and Substance Abuse Professional, I bring both deep clinical knowledge and a compassionate, down-to-earth approach to therapy.

I specialize in helping clients navigate life’s most personal challenges—including relationship and intimacy concerns, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, and mental health struggles. I also provide substance abuse treatment, DOT/SAP evaluations, and recovery support using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Reality Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, the Duluth Model, and the Matrix Model.

I have a special commitment to serving Black communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people living with HIV, re-entry populations, sex workers, and youth facing challenges. I understand how personal, cultural, and systemic factors shape each person’s story, and I create a safe, affirming space where clients feel truly seen and heard.

In our sessions, you can expect a respectful, judgment-free environment where your voice matters. I believe therapy works best as a partnership—we’ll set goals together, explore what’s holding you back, and develop practical strategies you can use in daily life a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific issue or simply want to invest in your personal growth, I’m here to help you take that next step.

Hi, I’m Wendy Durant-Nelson, LPC-S, PhD, N.D. New Orleans is home, and for more than 20 years I’ve had the privilege of helping adults, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. My counseling style blends evidence-based care with the warmth, authenticity, and genuine connection that the South is known for; you’ll find a space where you can show up exactly as you are and feel truly heard. I specialize in anxiety, OCD, trauma, relationship concerns, depression, and women’s issues, using practical, compassionate approaches tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for growth, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey. ⚜️💜💚💛

Clients should know that I bring warmth, empathy, and a genuine commitment to their growth. I create a safe and supportive environment where their voices are valued, and their goals are prioritized. With encouragement and guidance, I help clients navigate challenges and celebrate meaningful progress along their journey.