About Beyond the Brain Therapies Inc.
For more than 30 years, Debra Nelson has been the person families call when nothing else has worked. Beyond the Brain Therapies Inc. blends licensed counseling with brainspotting, biofeedback, and whole-person healing in a warm, LGBTIQQ-friendly practice in Forest Lake, Minnesota.
Our Story
Debra Nelson started Counseling & Mediation Solutions in 2002 because she kept meeting people who had done “all the right things” in therapy and still felt stuck. Talk therapy had helped them understand their trauma, but not release it.
In 2016, that search for something more led to Beyond the Brain Therapies Inc.: a practice built around brainspotting, biofeedback, and whole-person care, alongside the licensed counseling and mediation work that started it all.
Today, Debra, MA, LMFT, treats the whole person: the nervous system, the family system, the body, and the story underneath the symptoms. Her background spans marriage and family therapy, community mental health, ministry, and Minnesota family-court services.
Credentials & Training
Hover or tap a card to see what each credential means for your care.
How We Help
Every plan is built around you. These are the tools our team draws from, often in combination.
Process trauma using eye position, without retelling your story over and over. Learn more →
Learn how EMDR compares to brainspotting and which fits you. Learn more →
A relaxing, complementary wellness option offered alongside counseling. Learn more →
Heart-focused breathing with real-time heart rhythm feedback for stress. Learn more →
Brain-based biofeedback that supports focus and regulation. Learn more →
Nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle support from Dr. Gary Johnson. Learn more →
Who We Help
Children, teens, adults, couples, and families across Forest Lake and Minnesota. Tap a topic to learn more.
Trauma specialist care for painful memories and PTSD. Learn more →
Focus and regulation support for kids, teens, and adults. Learn more →
Support for autistic children, adults, and their families. Learn more →
Care for service members, veterans, and military families. Learn more →
Substance use and recovery support with Nicole Lindberg, LADC. Learn more →
Safety-first, trauma-informed support and advocacy. Learn more →
An affirming, judgment-free space for every identity. Learn more →
Assessments for clarity, planning, and family court. Learn more →
Yes. We are an LGBTIQQ-friendly and affirming practice. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and questioning clients, couples, and families are welcome here, and your identity is respected in every session.
LGBTQ+ people face higher rates of anxiety and depression, often made worse by discrimination or rejection (see NAMI). LGBTQ+ young people can reach the Trevor Project 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386.
“Beyond the brain” means we look at the whole you: mind, body, relationships, and spirit. With a background that includes ministry, Debra welcomes faith and spiritual guidance into therapy when it matters to you, and never requires it.
Learn more in our spirituality and guidance FAQs or explore our therapy specialties.
Addiction counseling, trauma-informed care, and recovery support. View profile
Questions
Debra Nelson, MA, LMFT, is the founder of Beyond the Brain Therapies Inc. and Counseling & Mediation Solutions in Forest Lake, MN. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, trauma specialist, mediator, psychological evaluator, and domestic abuse advocate with more than 30 years in mental health.
An LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a master’s-level clinician trained to treat mental health concerns within the context of relationships and family systems. In Minnesota, LMFTs are licensed by the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, where you can verify a license.
Yes. Debra uses brainspotting therapy, biofeedback, and licensed counseling to help clients heal from trauma, including combat trauma, abuse, and single-incident events. Learn more in our trauma FAQs.
Yes. We are an LGBTIQQ-friendly and affirming practice for individuals, couples, and families of every identity. Book with Debra or request an appointment.
Yes. Nicole Lindberg, MSW, LGSW, LADC, is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor with 25+ years in substance use services. Our partner practice also offers addiction recovery services. For free, confidential referrals any time, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
Yes. As a domestic abuse advocate, Debra offers trauma-informed counseling and help with safety planning and referrals. If you are in danger, call 911. You can also reach Minnesota Day One at 1-866-223-1111 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (text START to 88788).
Yes. Debra is a psychological evaluator and parenting consultant. Family-court evaluations and parenting assessments are offered through Counseling & Mediation Solutions. See our psychological evaluation FAQs.
It means healing that goes beyond talking about symptoms. We work with the nervous system, the body, relationships, and spirit through therapy specialties like brainspotting, HeartMath, and Quantum Biofeedback, alongside licensed counseling.
Beyond the Brain Therapies Inc. does business as Counseling & Mediation Solutions. Both are founded by Debra Nelson and share our Forest Lake office and booking system.
Support Resources
If you or someone you love needs support right now, these trusted services are free and confidential.
Call or text 988, any time.
Domestic violence help: 1-866-223-1111.
1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
LGBTQ+ youth support: 1-866-488-7386.
Substance use and mental health: 1-800-662-4357.
Dial 988, press 1, or text 838255.
Work With Debra
Book online through our secure SimplePractice portal, choose your clinician, or call our Forest Lake office at 651-408-3174. Telehealth is available throughout Minnesota.
Explore: Specialties · Our team · FAQs · Contact · Counseling & Mediation Solutions
Whether you are carrying trauma, navigating addiction, rebuilding after abuse, or simply feeling stuck, Debra and our Forest Lake team are here for you.
