From the first moment of successfully leaving our mother's body and beginning to breath on our own, we began a life journey that mirrors our own epic story. This epic is similar to those I used to watch as a child at the Sunday evening movies. Usually a hero, for instance, Hercules, would be engaged in ongoing event-filled days of danger, challenge, and conquest. Along the way there were characters who attempted to thwart his efforts or support his quest. His focus remained resolute and steadfast and was usually met with success. If not doing that hour definitely by part two he would be the victor. Our life challenges, however, are not usually met with the excitement of a movie; and success in overcoming them is not usually with one or even two hours. But like old movies, our challenges involve obstacles, dangers, wonders, and successes of varying dimensions. These challenges for many of us serve to push us forward to take another breath of life and to continue our personal life walk. From each push, breath, and challenge we can choose to learn and experience success or satisfaction with how we are engaging with life. I am Joy Smith McElveen, a licensed clinical social worker in New Orleans, LA.. Like many of you, my epic story is filled with many challenges of major life disappointments, frustrations, illness, fears, anxiety, depression, and anger. However, there was always a sense of wonder which generated happy times, love, and a glimmer of hope-filled days. Focusing on the wonders of hope helps me put challenges and obstacles into a perspective that allows me build change efforts. I think it is having a sense of hope, the real wonder, that pushes us forward despite the challenge. My practice is based on expanding a search for hope within each person seeking to change direction. Living demands that we must continue to grow. We grow through learning and making changes in our sphere of life. Our emotions and thoughts help or hinder our behavior. It is within these areas we need to evaluate, and search for meaning to be productive and fulfilled. My practice is based on using Dialectical Behavior Therapy undergirded with applications from Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. These approaches have interconnections with how we can choose to change how we think, feel and behave. They each require that the person seeking to make changes do the work and the helper is alongside working with her/him. I would like to be one of the characters in your epic story who supports your quest for change. I have a BA in sociology from Louisiana State University (now UNO); a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor); and a doctorate from Howard University School of Social Work. I have certifications in each treatment approach listed above.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Shandrieka is an experienced License Clinical Social Worker licensed in Texas and Louisiana, graduate of Southern University at New Orleans. She enjoys spending time partaking in self-care activities such as: mediating, listening to smooth jazz and engaging with loved ones. Shandrieka is passionate about helping people overcome life's difficult challenges, assisting individuals with developing new insights. She has had the privilege of providing individual counseling to young children, adolescents, adults and geriatric populations in an inpatient setting as well as community- based. Utilizing various therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Behavioral Therapy. Shandrieka views behavioral health as the primary component of holistic health, resulting in healthy families, personal relationships and stronger communities.

I am a nationally certified counselor passionate about helping couples, families, and individuals heal and develop skills to cultivate growth in body, mind, and spirit. It is my desire to identify and apply the best suited evidence-based therapeutic practices to help clients move beyond what they are dealing with, to realize their full potential and inner strength. It is my belief each therapeutic session represents steps in a journey both the client and I are on in an effort to obtain self-care and well-being. My ultimate goal in this journey is to assist clients to overcome by building hope, recovery, and resilience. I am certified in Anger Management and help clients struggling with anger as well as anxiety, depression, and relational/marital conflict. As a minister, I also provide spiritual-based counseling. I have worked with individuals in mental health rehabilitation centers, a mental health hospital, and assisting individuals and couples within my church. These different environments have afforded me the opportunity to work with a wide range of mental health disorders and needs. My experience in the military, ministry, and abroad has also prepared me for a wide range of cultural issues. I look forward to helping you along your journey and seeing you achieve what you have set out to achieve. SUCCESS!!!

As a licensed therapist in Louisiana, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on compassionate, culturally-responsive care that honors each person's unique journey. I have extensive experience helping clients work through challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. My therapeutic practice focuses on empowering individuals to develop deeper self-understanding, improve communication, and cultivate resilience. I'm particularly passionate about addressing issues related to self-esteem, depression, anxiety, workplace dynamics, and personal growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for healing. I understand that seeking therapy takes courage, and I'm committed to walking alongside you with respect, empathy, and genuine care. Together, we can work to transform challenges into opportunities for personal growth and emotional well-being.

I am a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience as a professional therapist in New Orleans, Louisiana. I have worked with people with various issues, including depression, anxiety, marital problems, parental issues, job obstacles, and ADHD. I have also assisted other adolescents who have endured physical or emotional abuse. My approach to counseling is welcoming and participatory. Everyone should be treated with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapeutic approach of counseling is cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive therapy in my approach. I will personalize our conversation and treatment approach to your individual requirements. It requires bravery to pursue a more full and happy life and initiate change. If you are prepared to take this step, I will support and empower you. I am really looking forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

As a licensed therapist in Louisiana, I bring 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenging personal transitions, relationship dynamics, and emotional healing. I specialize in supporting women through significant life stages, including pregnancy, postpartum experiences, and family transformations. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and holistic, focusing on areas like self-esteem, grief recovery, and personal growth. I understand the intricate challenges of relationships, family dynamics, and individual emotional journeys. Whether you're experiencing life changes, struggling with personal connections, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm committed to creating a supportive and empowering therapeutic environment. I offer a warm, respectful space where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past challenges, and develop meaningful strategies for personal transformation. My goal is to walk alongside you as you rediscover your strength, purpose, and inner resilience.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

With 20 years in law enforcement and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I specialize in helping first responders and military personnel manage trauma, anxiety, and addiction. My approach is compassionate, practical, and built on real-world experience you can trust.

Hi. I’m Torren Lafleur! I am licensed in Louisiana with 11 years of professional work experience providing therapy to various populations. I have extensive experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, depression, coping and adjusting to life changes, & concentration and memory improvement. I also have experience working with focus (ADHD). I believe that you (the client) are the expert of your story and that you already have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming people, place and/or things and situations that may challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, & anger management. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Texas with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I have a passion for working with adolescents and adults who feel stuck—trapped in a pattern of bad habits, caught in a cycle of ineffective coping skills, entangled in unhealthy or unsatisfying relationships, or simply unsure of where to go next in life. With years of experience in a small independent high school, I specialize in helping adolescents manage the impacts of ADHD, from symptom management to self-advocacy and obtaining academic accommodations. I maintain certifications as a Clinical Child & Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP-CA) and an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) to better serve my clients. Additionally, as a wife and mother to 3 kids, I understand the necessity of taking care of your mental health to maintain a healthy family system. I enjoy working with families and couples to improve communication, establish boundaries, and create healthy relationship dynamics overall. Using a strength-based, solution-focused approach, I strive to help you work through your challenges and stressors while improving your self-esteem and relationships. I want to guide clients in developing new coping skills to create balance in their lives, helping them move forward with confidence and peace to reach their goals.