Hi Friend, This is a little about me. First and foremost I am a regular and down-to-earth guy. At times Counseling professionals and other helping professionals can can get reputations to "high and mighty", "up on a pedestal", or 'holier than thou". I am a regular 40 year old man who is balding and slightly overweight. I have made mistakes in my life as I'm sure you have. I do not have a magic wand to make your life better in a hurry. What I do have is an open ear, a caring heart, a good education, and about 15 years in counseling a wide variety of people and issues. Of these the most common issues I have helped others with are overcoming symptoms of depression, anxiety, addiction, and common family issues. As I mentioned earlier there is no magic to what I do but we can work toward goals and talk it out.

I work with clients with a variety of issues. I find that most of the time, people seek help because they realize that their life is just not where they want it to be, and they realize that there is something more. I help clients deal with the things that they feel are holding them back, whether it be circumstances, trauma, history, or things they believe about themselves. Although I offer counseling services to people from all walks of life and belief (or non-belief) systems, I also have extended training in Pastoral (meaning Christian) Counseling. I work with people to pinpoint their goals, define the obstacles to the goals, and explore the origins of unhealthy beliefs and thought patterns that are holding your back. The fact of the matter is that we all have issues and problems to work through. The good news is that you don't have to do it alone. I want to help you work through the things that are holding you back from finding your purpose and peace.

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 a licensed professional counselor in Louisiana with 30 years of professional work experience. My Louisiana license number is 4274. I have worked with clients who face difficulties related to trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, & relationship issues. I believe that clients are the most valuable resource in their therapeutic process and I am willing to help clients discover the inner strengths that can assist them in overcoming the challenges in their lives. Taking the first step to seek assistance with positioning oneself to have a more fulfilling and successful life is commendable. I am ready and available to offer my support to clients who are ready to soar to the next level.

Hi, my name is Tamara Jones-Thompson, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years of experience in building a client driven approach to providing direct services. I have a strong belief in creating an non-judgmental environment where my clients will feel comfortable with open expression of thoughts and feelings. Thank you, for choosing me to assist you on your journey towards self-discovery.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana with over 8 years experiencing working as a Mental Health Counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I am an excellent listener and passionate in helping others achieve a more content state of mind. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and motivational interviewing. I will tailor our conversations and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Reaching out for help takes tremendous courage and it is the first step to take in order to seek positive change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to guide and support you through this journey. I look forward to working with you!

I have years of experience helping clients cope with both the symptoms as well as the underlying causes of their struggles with issues of anxiety, trauma and PTSD, depression, difficulty managing anger, alcohol or other substance use disorders, and relational difficulties that often stem from low self-confidence and the need for updated and enhanced communication skills. My clinical style combines a personal approach that aims to make the client feel genuinely understood, supported, and safe. I utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions that help to update coping skills and strategies, while operating from a psychodynamic base that can facilitate both shorter- and longer-term psychotherapy for deeper-reaching, more stable positive change. I am also certified to provide EMDR when appropriate. I received a Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2010, and I also hold degrees in philosophy, theology, and consciousness studies. I have lived and/or worked in California, Illinois, and Indiana, and I currently reside in Louisiana.

As a licensed therapist with extensive experience serving Louisiana's diverse communities, I bring nearly four decades of compassionate mental health expertise. My practice centers on supporting individuals through complex life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth journeys. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, self-esteem development, and mood disorders. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding each person's unique experiences, with particular sensitivity to women's issues, multicultural perspectives, and life stage challenges. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, overcome isolation, and rediscover life purpose. I offer a supportive, affirming environment where individuals can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and build resilience. Drawing from a rich background of professional training and cultural understanding, I am committed to walking alongside my clients as they navigate personal transformation, emotional healing, and meaningful self-discovery.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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. The type of therapy that I do is psychodynamic therapy. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in the client's present behavior. The goals of psychodynamic therapy are client self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior. What does a psychodynamic therapy therapist do? In general, the therapist's role is to aid the client in connecting the dots between their past experiences and their current problems, and leverage their internal resources to address these problems. I also focus on the practice of mindfulness which, when done properly and with intention, can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & career difficulties. 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.

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.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, concentration, & memory. I also have experience working with focus. 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.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & despression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 Professional Counselor in Louisiana, I bring over a decade of dedicated experience supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges. My professional journey is deeply rooted in helping clients heal from addiction, trauma, and significant life transitions. I specialize in creating compassionate, strength-based therapeutic environments where individuals can explore their experiences and develop resilient coping strategies. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique story and empowering them to discover their inner resources for healing and growth. I work collaboratively with clients, particularly those in child, adolescent, and adult populations, to develop personalized strategies that promote emotional well-being and meaningful life transformation. Through evidence-based practices and a trauma-informed lens, I am committed to walking alongside my clients as they build greater self-understanding, emotional regulation, and personal resilience. My goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their challenges and rediscover their inherent strengths.