Rev. Chesla Nickelson

Mdiv., MAMFT (She/Her)

Issues related to Sex & Faith

Pre-marital Counseling

Sexual Health & Wellness

Relationship Issues

Grief & Loss Counseling

Life Transitions

Identity Issues

I am a minister, consultant, and coach, working with individuals, groups, and institutions, on mental health, sexuality, and faith formation. My expertise lies in the nexus of sexuality, spirituality, self-care, and social justice. 

I earned a Bachelors of Art in Psychology from Spelman College (Atlanta, GA) and a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Christian Theological Seminary (Indianapolis, IN). In addition to being a certified Prepare and Enrich Couples Counselor, my education, training, and experience frames my bold vision that intersects counseling, sexuality, spirituality, and faith formation.

An ordained minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), my ministry and community/nonprofit experience is broad, having served in various capacities including, congregational transformation, leadership development, youth and young adult ministries, denominational/executive work, education, and sustainable development partnerships around the globe. Committed to communication and empowerment of women, I have co-edited and have been on the editorial board for magazines committed to women’s education, inspiration, and empowerment. 

In my community/non-profit work, I have led a variety of programs and initiatives like chaplaincy services for nonprofits, spirituality groups for homeless veterans, workshops and therapy groups for young adults preparing for marriage, and anti-racism training and assessment, just to name a few. Regardless of the task or setting, I am driven singularly by my core passion: helping people develop healthy, liberating, and pleasurable relationships with God, self, and others.

What People Are Saying

"Everyone willing to have an open, honest and spirit filled pre-marital counseling should totally go with Chesla! Each question stirred in us the curiosity to want to know more about each other; it was a reassurance that we do not need to know everything about each other before getting married, but we must be willing and intentional to always discover each other in the big and little things of life. Chesla did not only provide a great pre-marital counseling (it’s been a year now, and we still talk about it!), but she was quite thoughtful to deliver a homily that reflected our spiritual life, religious views, and above all our story and relationship essence."

— Bere Gil Soto, Pastor Iglesia Hermandad Cristiana