Nathaniel Ponder

Hi, I'm Nathaniel. It is so great to meet you. If you or your teen are navigating the heavy challenges of substance use, I want you to know that you are in the right place and you don't have to do it alone.

I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults (ages 13–26). My goal is to help you safely explore your relationship with substance use, understand the underlying factors or root causes behind it, and build much healthier ways to cope with life's stressors. As a Master-level Social Worker, Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, and Grief Counselor, I have the specialized training needed to support young people through these complex chapters.

I believe in working as a team. Instead of just telling you what to do, we will collaborate to uncover your own internal motivation for change. While I draw on proven methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), what that really means for you is that we will work together to reframe unhelpful thoughts, strengthen how you handle big emotions, and build practical, everyday strategies to make healthier decisions and prevent relapse.

A significant part of my practice also involves group therapy, which is an incredibly powerful way for young adults to connect, learn from one another, and feel much less isolated in their struggles.

You can always expect a completely safe, non-judgmental space where you can be your authentic self. I know that talking about substance use, grief, or trauma can be intimidating, so I focus heavily on creating an environment where you feel truly supported. Together, we will process life's challenges, build up your natural resilience, and take steady, manageable steps toward sustainable recovery and personal growth.