I am a multi-racial, African, Indigenous, Irish American. I have over 35 years of experience practicing in the field of human behavior. I graduated with a communication arts degree from Hofstra University, film. Because of my interest in documentaries and people, I completed graduate school with a Master of Social Work degree, at Stony Brook University. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with years of advanced trainings in the many aspects of both alcohol, substance abuse and mental health; and the treatment of the dual diagnoses.
I began as a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) throughout graduate school and am now a CASAC-Master. I Went on to complete graduate school and became a psychiatric social worker/psychotherapist, and an Addictions Specialist. The population of people I have treated, over the many years, have been very diverse; from Long Island to New York City. They were from elementary, high school, college, pre/post-incarceration, veterans and from all of the professions. I’ve worked with all ethnicities, most religions and have been successful with LGBTQ clients. I have worked in alcohol substance abuse clinics, correctional facilities, forensic psychotherapy in the courts, expert witness Bronx County for children and adolescents, rehabilitation facilities, mental health clinics, children’s psychotherapy services; developed and administered dual disorder programs; all while having a private psychotherapy practice.
The strength of my style, I believe, is that I emphasize authenticity in engagement with my clients, in combination with the need for attachments. I believe a lack of authenticity creates unnecessary anxiety. I hope to develop a client-centered therapeutic alliance with my clients. This approach has worked for me and my clients and has helped in achieving their goals together. My approach is also eclectic and is based mainly on using a variety of cognitive-behavioral techniques; using motivational interviewing initially to establish goals. I have had particularly successful experience in addressing anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Dissociative disorders, and OCD. I also have been successful in counseling couples, using couple/marital therapy techniques.
I believe psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is one of the most powerful forms of therapy in the world. The world would be a better place if more people took advantage of this modality. It is a smart choice for anyone stuck and fearful of changing their behaviors or simply not knowing how to even begin.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Abandonment, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Attachment issues, Avoidant Personality, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Eating and Food-Related Issues, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Infidelity, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Military and Veterans Issues, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Prejudice and Discrimination, Sex Addiction, Sexual Dysfunction, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Imago Relationship Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
NY LCSW 051661
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Louis Walthall. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Louis has helped me tremendously with great empathy and compassion. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone.
Written on Apr 02, 2024 after therapy with Louis for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Louis has helped me a great deal. He has given me tools to better fullfill my experiences. He is personable and insightful.
Written on Jan 12, 2024 after therapy with Louis for 6 months on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
Louis is kind understanding and affluent with his knowledge and experise
Written on Nov 21, 2023 after therapy with Louis for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, and adhd
I really appreciate Louis' help in working through issues that have plagued me for decades.
Written on Mar 28, 2023 after therapy with Louis for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, trauma and abuse, and compassion fatigue
Really warm and welcoming. He made me feel comfortable
Written on Nov 22, 2022 after therapy with Louis for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Louis is an easy person to talk to and I would recommend him to anyone
Written on Sep 27, 2022 after therapy with Louis for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, and relationship issues