Nelly Hutchinson (formerly Sandeep), LCSW-C is the founder and owner of Healing Awaits, LLC, a private practice grounded in compassion, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Penn State University and her master’s in social work from Columbia University in New York City. Born and raised in New Jersey, Nelly was inspired by her parents’ lifelong commitment to serving vulnerable communities, a value that continues to guide her work today.

Nelly has been specializing in trauma since 2018, working with individuals who have experienced abuse, neglect, domestic violence, grief and loss, medical trauma, separation, and other significant stressors. She is nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and integrates this evidence-based model to help clients heal from trauma and trauma-related disorders. Her therapeutic approach is also informed by training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and a person-centered philosophy that emphasizes collaboration and empowerment.

In addition to her trauma expertise, Nelly completed her full perinatal mental health training through Postpartum Support International. She specializes in supporting individuals navigating fertility challenges, pregnancy, birth trauma, and the postpartum period with warmth and clinical skill.

Nelly is a board-approved supervisor for both the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners and the Board of Professional Counselors. She provides clinical supervision to graduate students and provisionally licensed clinicians, as well as facilitates consultation groups for providers working with trauma-impacted populations. She believes deeply in the power of community and peer consultation to sustain quality care.

Through Healing Awaits, Nelly’s mission is to offer high-quality, trauma-informed therapy and supervision that uplifts and empowers every person she works with.