As we transition through life and experience what this world has to offer, we start to realize that there is both good and bad, happiness and sadness, anxiety and joy. Moments in our lives may require insights from others and help may be necessary. That is my goal here...to help in the best way I can. Throughout my professional counseling career, I have had the unique experiences of work with individuals of diverse backgrounds and difficulties. I have worked with and provided counseling to individuals who have experienced domestic violence, rape, and other forms of trauma. My experiences include work with adults and children. I have also worked as a counselor for homeless families and children. My work has taken me to an understanding of the human experience that is accepting and knowledgeable. My approach to counseling is typically centered on an existential and humanistic approach which encourages my clients to work toward their purpose. I also use the tenets associated with cognitive behavior therapy. I believe that each person with whom I work is working toward their own profound and essential purpose in this life and I want to help them realize their potential and strengths. I employ a compassionate and empathetic approach because I understand that the relationships between counselor and client is essential to the success of my clients. I want to understand the problem from the perspective of the client and in doing so, I can help each client a unique way.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Louisiana with 15 years of experience in the counseling discipline. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of New Orleans in 2005 and subsequently completed my Master of Science in Education in Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling from Hofstra University on Long Island, NY in 2008. I've been licensed as a mental health professional since 2011 and have extensive experience working with a broad array of mental health concerns. These include working in private practice, non-profit psychiatric rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, and managed care. I am skilled with working with adults as well as families and couples dealing with everything from adjustment-related difficulties coping with change to severe and persistent mental illness including psychosis, panic disorders, and serious mood disorders. I also have specialized training related to employment and career counseling needs as well as issues related to co-occurring physical disabilities and illness. I typically take a person-centered approach emphasizing mutually agreed upon goals and working together on achieving specific objectives aimed towards making progress towards these goals. I believe a compassionate, understanding, and non-judgmental approach is important to establishing trust and helping you to move forward on the path of wellness.

As a licensed therapist in Louisiana, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate emotional wellness, with specialized expertise in depression, anxiety, stress management, and self-esteem development. I am deeply committed to addressing a wide range of personal struggles, including communication difficulties, social anxiety, family dynamics, and caregiver stress. My approach is holistic and person-centered, focusing on understanding each individual's unique emotional landscape and empowering them to develop healthier coping strategies. My therapeutic work honors the diverse experiences of women and individuals facing interpersonal challenges. I create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their emotions, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. Whether you're dealing with panic attacks, impulsivity, or relationship concerns, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you in your healing journey.

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.

As a licensed therapist serving Louisiana and Texas, I specialize in supporting young adults through life's complex challenges. My professional approach centers on addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and parenting issues with compassion and cultural sensitivity. Drawing from my background, I create a welcoming therapeutic space that honors each client's unique experiences and cultural identity. My goal is to provide affirming, strength-based support that empowers individuals to navigate personal growth, develop resilient coping strategies, and cultivate meaningful change. I am committed to understanding each person's distinct journey and walking alongside them with genuine empathy and professional expertise.

As a licensed therapist serving Louisiana, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients through challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to addressing stress, family conflicts, and individual healing. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, explore life purpose, and overcome social anxiety. I'm particularly committed to supporting women and men, young adults, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds through transformative personal journeys. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. My approach honors each person's unique story and strengths, providing personalized guidance toward personal empowerment and 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.

I am licensed in Louisiana with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, including sex therapy and sexual addictions, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

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.

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.