Dr. Alexis Johnson Nelson
Retreats held in Fayetteville, Georgia (Outside Atlanta)
– Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Georgia: MFT#001257
Clinically Speaking
I believe in healthy, stable partnerships. They’re the foundation for strong families and resilient communities. If you’re committed to doing the hard work of therapy—even if you’re unsure what to expect or feel nervous about the process—I want to work with you. Let’s build a better relationship together.
As a social introvert, I understand how daunting therapy can feel, especially for someone who’s naturally more reserved. If one of you is less talkative or hesitant to open up in front of a stranger, I get that. I know how it feels. And I’ve learned how to create a space that feels safe, respectful, and comfortable for both partners.
I often work with couples where one person talks more and the other prefers to keep things private. That dynamic doesn’t have to be a barrier to connection. In session, we slow things down and strike a balance—making room for both voices. I help outgoing partners understand how to validate quieter personalities and draw them out in ways that feel respectful and supportive. Therapy is a cooperative effort. My goal is to support each of you in showing up as yourselves, while learning how to truly hear and respond to one another.
When we start our work together, I’ll take time to explain what we’re doing and why. I’ll ask what you each hope to get out of our weekend together and address any concerns, especially if one of you is feeling hesitant. If you’ve walked through the door, that already says something powerful about your commitment to the relationship—and I want to honor that.
I use humor to soften resistance. I love to laugh, and I’ve found that a shared smile can open the door for deeper connection. Even the most reluctant partners often find themselves talking freely by the end of the evening—because they realize they’re being heard.
Some husbands worry that, because their wife talks more, I might side with her. But I don’t. I address that dynamic head-on, because no one should feel like the odd person out. My role is to stay balanced, attuned, and focused on what matters most: the bond between you.
I’m also very structured with our time. I don’t believe in wasting a minute. I prepare thoroughly before our session—reading every word of your BIG BIG Book intake form—and come in with a clear understanding of your history, your hopes, and your struggles.
Couples who work with me often discover that long-standing habits, shaped by childhood or family patterns, are affecting their communication. That awareness can be transformational. Together, we’ll unpack those patterns and build a more conscious, compassionate relationship.
Personally Speaking
I’m married with two young daughters who are endlessly curious and wildly chatty. We talk—a lot! I love introducing them to arts and crafts, and we have impromptu dance parties in our living room. Being a mom has made me more mindful of how we speak to one another as a family.
My husband and I are intentional about how we argue—especially in front of our children. We believe it’s okay for kids to see that their parents disagree. What matters is how we handle it. We want them to grow up understanding that conflict can be respectful, thoughtful, and safe.
My own parents were my biggest relationship role models. Their marriage wasn’t perfect, but it was playful, loving, and deeply committed. They set the tone for what I believed was possible in a relationship. Watching their dynamic inspired my curiosity about how couples thrive—and how to help others build something meaningful, too.
Much of my insight into love, resilience, and emotional grit comes from the women in my life. My mother is my definition of strength. She’s always been my greatest cheerleader, the one pushing me beyond my comfort zone to keep growing. My grandmother, too, was a force—building a career and achieving personal success despite racism and segregation. Their example taught me how to meet challenges with grace and persistence.
When I’m Not in Session
When I can carve out some downtime, I love curling up with a light-hearted novel—Emily Giffin or Jennifer Weiner are favorites. I also love dancing (Zumba is my go-to!), because music helps me get out of my head and reconnect with joy.
I have a deep love for languages, especially French, and I’m always looking for something new to share with my kids—whether it’s a story, a song, or a new way of seeing the world.
It was in an extremely fragile state. We were existing together, nothing more. Our core issues were respect, communication, and understanding. We tried couples therapy before, but it only created more frustration and division. Dr. Alexis Johnson-Nelson’s ability to comprehend our issues, validate our individual concerns, and give us the tools needed to improve as one. She was amazing in both of our opinions. She made us both remember our “why,” which is what we had forgotten.
I would highly recommend working with Dr. Johnson-Nelson & Couples Therapy. She opened our eyes to the fact that “life” had affected our love, and we are actively implementing to toolkit she gave us to continue to work on us. One’s marriage is an investment. Investing in Couples Therapy was worth it for us
Clinical Background
Over the past 14 years, I’ve worked in a wide range of clinical settings across Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, and Georgia. My work includes:
- Leading parenting programs for divorcing families
- Teaching effective discipline strategies and family communication skills
- Supporting individuals with ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, anxiety, and depression
- Facilitating groups for children of divorce and children struggling with bullying or social skills
- Working with couples and families at the University of Maryland on issues like neurodiversity, suicidality, and child behavioral problems
- Helping families navigate persistent mental illness and relapse prevention
At the heart of it all is my belief that strong, healthy couples form the foundation for emotional stability—not just for the partners, but for the children and communities around them.
I would be delighted to work with you in Fayetteville, Georgia, and help you build a relationship that reflects your deepest values and hopes.
