I am a Doctor of Behavioral Health, as well as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my doctorate degree from Arizona State University. I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Louisiana State University. I have been rendering professional counseling services throughout the state of Louisiana for the last for 15 years. My work experience includes a variety of clinical backgrounds, such as child protection, grief therapy, medical social work, school social work, inpatient psychiatric social work, individual, family & group psychotherapy as well as serving as the clinical director of an outpatient behavioral health agency with multiple locations in Louisiana. I have also rendered intense trauma-focused therapy to children who have endured or witnessed different forms of trauma such as being sexually abused or witnessing domestic violence or a murder. I pride myself with meeting each client where they are in hopes of helping them to get to where they desire to be. I look forward to working with you to help you reach your individualized goals.

I earned a Masters of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in 2015. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) #LPC 6526 and hold a license with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners located at 8631 Summa Avenue, Baton Rouge, La. 70809 (225-765-2515). In addition to being licensed as an LPC in Louisiana, I hold a national certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC#630673). I believe that counseling encompasses a collaborative approach between the counselor and the client, and requires both working together to facilitate change in the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Counseling will require you to fully engage with me in the process, including inside and outside of the sessions. You may be asked to complete homework assignments, and this will partly determine whether we are accomplishing the stated counseling goals. I assist clients with addressing a variety of mental health concerns that significantly interferes with their ability to perform the primary aspects of daily living. I work with clients who experience family discord. I also assist clients who may be experiencing a crisis.

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.

Greetings! My name is Sovichan E Scaria. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from Louisiana. As you get a chance you can see my profile to learn a little bit more about my background and approach. Please also feel free to ask questions. My therapy style is based on respect, understanding , caring and empathy. I meet people where they are and acknowledge their pain and go from there . I like to focus on the strengths, resilience and possibilities of the clients to overcome their obstacles. I will be a conduit for the clients to sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer them a safe place to be open and honest with unconditional positive regard. I have been meeting clients of all ages and backgrounds for the past 30 years as a pastoral counsellor. From 2012 onwards, I have been meeting clients as an intern of the marriage and family therapy with my supervisors at the University of Louisiana, Monroe. I have received my Doctorate in Marriage and family Therapy in 2019 and I began to practice as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2020. My approach is solution-focused brief therapy where I work with the client as a team and focus on the resources and exceptions to the clients problems.

Hi. My name is Lori Gieseler. I am a MSW, LCSW and am licensed in the state of Louisiana. I graduated from LSU-Baton Rouge and have enjoyed a wide range of experiences with a concentration of working with adolescents, adults and couples. I believe in meeting individuals where they are and helping them learn to cherish themselves and their life experiences. Don't you think it's time to start walking up the road to self-care? I have experience in working with mood disorders, working with spouses of sex addicts and working with individuals who are adjusting to curves life may throw them. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which helps individuals develop a way of thinking to alter behavior and their reactions to events in life. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I approach counseling through a client-centered approach. I believe in using reflective questions to guide sessions and initiate change. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe we all deserve to live the best life possible and will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Are you ready to take that first step? Are you ready to learn how to respond differently to obtain better outcomes in life? You deserve it!

Welcome! My name is Nicala and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Louisiana. I have over 5 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including in-patient, partial care, outpatient, in-home, and addictions. Although that seems like a mouthful, it simply means that I have had experience working with a broad range and severity of clinical issues. I have the most experience working with anxiety, family/relationship conflicts, life transitions, LGBTQIA population, and complex trauma/abuse. I also have experience working with depression, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and mild autism. I work with individuals and families who are experiencing mental health, marital issues, suicidal thoughts, grief, loss, and other issues that can be very challenging, stressful, and overwhelming. Reducing your symptoms and improving your daily functioning is my goal. I provide support and counseling to clients from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and cultures. Services are delivered with respect, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Together you and I will collaborate to develop a treatment plan to meet your individual or family needs. I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) and have experience in utilizing CBT, person-centered, Eclectic/Integrative, Motivational Interviewing, Play-Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Systems approach to help you meet your therapeutic goals. I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that will allow you to reach your therapeutic goals. My goal is to ensure the well-being of all clients. Life can be challenging, but with proper help and support, you don’t have to endure it alone.

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!!!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Louisiana where I received a Master of Social Work and PhD., in Social Work from Louisiana State University. For more than 30 years I worked with children and families experiencing abuse, neglect, and other forms of trauma. Currently I help adults navigate and adjust to a variety of life transitions in relationships, career/retirement, and health related challenges, including insomnia, I am committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental environment and working with my clients to create a path forward that will allow them to thrive, not just survive.

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for 24 years and am currently licensed in Louisiana. I offer work and life experiences in a variety of areas. I have worked extensively with but not limited to clients with the following issues: medical, chronic illness, end of life, transplant, caregiver fatigue, mental health, chronic depression, severe anxiety, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse/addiction, women's issues, domestic violence, sexual trauma, homelessness, and previous incarceration. My work has been conducted within home health, hospice, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential substance abuse, residential women's shelters, mental health counseling centers, home, and school environments. I feel that I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental approach in which the focus is on the best plan of care for your individual needs. I believe that there is no "cookie cutter" way in which to help people and that everyone has individualized circumstances and needs. I also offer all learning modalities so that you have the best and most effective learning environment in order for you to be able to actively apply and develop the coping strategies that you need to be successful in achieving your vision for your life. I feel that I offer realistic solutions to real-life issues and welcome the opportunity to assist you in achieving your authentic and healthy self!

I am licensed in Louisiana with 10+ years of professional work experience. Therapy is a space where the client and therapist build a trusting mutual relationship. As a therapist, I am committed to listen and work with you in creating a toolbox that is unique for you. My focus is Trauma, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Realationship Issues and Stressors. I service Adults, Couples, and Familes (inclduing their children). My counseling styleis eclectic: cognitive behavioral therapy; reality therapy; family systems; person nentered; diabetical behavior therapy, soultion focused behavorial. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, 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.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

As a licensed therapist in Louisiana, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex challenges. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-compassion, improve communication skills, and discover deeper personal meaning. I have extensive experience working with young adults, caregivers, and professionals addressing stress, anxiety, and workplace dynamics. My therapeutic practice focuses on empowering clients to overcome social anxiety, manage life transitions, and build resilient coping strategies. I understand the nuanced struggles of personal growth, offering compassionate guidance through issues like self-esteem, guilt, shame, and personal transformation. Drawing from a trauma-informed and person-centered framework, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop healthier perspectives, and cultivate meaningful change. Whether you're facing workplace stress, relationship challenges, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise.

As a licensed therapist in Louisiana with three decades of professional experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and personal challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and emotional healing. I offer a compassionate, inclusive approach that honors diverse experiences and identities. Whether you're struggling with workplace issues, exploring personal growth, or working through midlife transitions, I provide a supportive environment where you can explore your authentic self. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of focus areas, including communication challenges, self-love, sexuality, grief, and family dynamics. I'm committed to creating a non-judgmental space where clients can address their unique emotional needs and develop meaningful strategies for personal transformation. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I approach each client's journey with deep respect, empathy, and a collaborative spirit. My goal is to support you in discovering inner strength, building resilience, and moving toward a more fulfilling life.

If you're facing challenges such as stress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, or gender-related concerns, I am here to provide the support you need. Taking the step to start therapy is a courageous move towards a more fulfilling and happier life, and I admire your commitment to this journey. My approach emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion, ensuring that our discussions and treatment plans are specifically tailored to your unique needs. I also specialize in working with couples, helping them rebuild trust, improve communication, and deepen emotional intimacy. Recognizing that each individual’s path is different, I am dedicated to customizing our sessions to best support your goals and aspirations. Together, we can navigate your journey towards healing and growth.