About

Meet Cynthia S. Nelson, fondly known as Cyndi. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the esteemed owner of Positive Flow Counseling, LLC, with a specialization in behavioral health and mental illness. Her mission revolves around understanding and addressing her clients' health concerns, offering personalized care for various issues. Cyndi's approach to therapy is client-centered and strength-based, believing strongly in her clients' ability to be the experts of their own lives. She advocates for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Solution Focused Therapy, and Positive Psychology.

Cyndi was born into a closely-knit family in Onalaska, Wisconsin, being the youngest and tallest among five children. She ventured to the sunny shores of California and the majestic mountains of Colorado, but eventually returned to her roots in Wisconsin, drawn by the warmth of familiar faces and the comfort of home. This return marked a significant turning point in her life—it was the beginning of her pursuit of higher education. She diligently pursued her studies, earning a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) in 2000.

During this time, Cyndi navigated the challenges of being a single parent, caring for her son while managing state benefits. These experiences brought her face-to-face with the struggles many individuals and families face daily, shaping her commitment to social work. A powerful quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us," continually inspires her work, reminding her of our inherent strength and resilience.

Upon graduating from UWSP, Cyndi made her first professional strides by initiating the Portage County Mentoring Program during her tenure at Portage County Health and Human Services. Her journey then led her to serve as a Child and Family Services professional in Wood County for an impressive span of 14 years. In this period, she demonstrated extraordinary commitment, juggling full-time work with part-time studies, culminating in earning her Master's Degree in Counseling in 2014.

Cyndi's unwavering dedication bore fruit when she developed the Project YES! (Youth, Empowerment, and Support) Program. This endeavor was a collaborative effort with Jefferson County and the state while she worked for Outagamie County. As the director and primary therapist of the program, she delivered specialized mental health services to young adults. Riding on the success wave of Project YES!, Cyndi embraced new responsibilities. She transitioned to managing the Central District while also serving as a therapist for an external company. This chapter of her professional life further enriched her experience and honed her therapeutic skills.

Her career trajectory then steered her towards Ascension Behavioral Health, where she assumed the role of a full-time therapist. It was in this capacity that she refined her therapeutic techniques and forged lasting relationships with numerous providers in the area. Capitalizing on her expertise in the Comprehensive Community Services program (CCS), she offered valuable assistance to clients with community resources and referrals based on their needs.

Cyndi credits much of her strength to her extensive history as a Social Worker, CCS Supervisor, and therapist. This rich background has endowed her with the ability to view individuals holistically, discern their needs, and provide appropriate facilitation. These experiences were instrumental when she took the bold step of establishing Positive Flow Counseling, LLC on May 8, 2023.

Outside of work, Cyndi's world revolves around her two children, their significant others, her two adorable grandchildren, and her two energetic Australian Shepherds. She enjoys walking, hiking, spending time in nature, and practicing yoga, activities that help her find balance - a vital component of her mental and physical health.

Cyndi's journey is one marked by constant growth and evolution. From simple beginnings in Wisconsin to owning a successful business, her enduring passion has always been to help others. This allows her to make a positive difference every day, and through her work, she continues to touch lives in meaningful ways.