Therapists in Lafayette, LA

“The Secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”- Socrates. Many of us were conditioned to accept and live with situations in our lives that we wanted to change but felt we could not or did not know how to. By seeking out counseling support, you have taken the first step to respond and not react and change your emotional climate. I am Gala Oliver-Singh, and over the past 17 years I have had the privilege to witness numerous transformations occur when people just like you have taken the risk to have a different relationship with change by responding instead of reacting and be in trust instead of distrust with change. When we do our transformational work, we can experience the gifts of growth, joy, and opportunity that these changes are here to teach us. I decided to become a Licensed Professional Counselor when I was a client, doing my own transformational work. This profession has provided an opportunity for me to help other people do their transformational work and learn to tell and live new stories that reflect the positive choices and changes they want to experience in their lives presently. My goal in pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance from Louisiana Tech University was to use what I’ve learned in turmoil to actively bring others to a better position in their lives. I have worked in a variety of settings with many different client groups. I have a demonstrated passion for and commitment to educating and empowering individuals and groups that have been historically marginalized, stigmatized, and oppressed, specifically ethnic, and sexual minorities. I have facilitated personal growth support groups for LGBTQ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) young adults and served as a mental health consultant addressing identity development and the coming out process at a Safe Zone Training. I have provided individual, family, and group mental health therapy for children, adolescents and adults in outpatient clinic and community settings; provided individual and family therapy, intervention and support services to parents and students as a school-based mental health therapist; and was responsible for counseling, educating and empowering battered women and their children to make choices that result in safe, independent and violence-free lives in my position as a domestic violence family counselor. My approach to healing, wellness, and mental health is client-centered, relational, and based on a flexible, collaborative approach. The goal of our counseling relationship will be to identify healthy new behaviors that you choose and to incorporate them into your life. I am here to help support, inspire, and motivate you to make those changes. Together, let’s create a healing, non-judgmental, safe environment to help you transform and live your best life. SPECIALTIES: • Ethnic and sexual identity issues (multicultural issues; LGBTQ issues) • Anxiety • Depression • Relationship issues • Youth development and adjustment (young adult counseling) Also experienced in: Parenting issues, Family conflicts, Coping with life changes, Career difficulties, Life purpose, Self-care Clinical approaches: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy Years of Experience: 17

Hello, My name is Vanessa Smith LPC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Louisiana. I have over 10 years of experience working with mental health. I have worked with clients from various backgrounds and concerns. I have worked with individuals addressing concerns of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, anger, substance abuse, life changes (loss of job, loss of family member, etc.…). Also, I have experience working with returning citizens. I would describe my style of therapy as warm and interactive. I believe in being person-centered and humanistic. I believe the client is the expert on his or her life. I prefer to assist the client by guiding and assisting through inner knowing, interpersonal changes, and healing. My overall goal is to assist people in working towards fulfillment of their maximum potential, healing, and gaining a new perspective on life.

Welcome to the world of counseling! Ms. Nikolya T. Sparks holds a B.A. in Psychology from Grambling State University and an M.A. in Counseling & Guidance from Louisiana Tech University. Licensed as a Professional Counselor in Louisiana and Nationally Certified Counselor, Ms. Sparks is also Certified Grief Informed Professional, Complex Clinical Treatment Provider, Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Certified Advanced Grief Specialist with 30 years of clinical experience. Currently licensed in Louisiana, Ms. Sparks is here to listen, act, and provide the support you need. Contact me today to begin your journey to wellness! https://www.betterhelp.com/nikolya-sparks/ I am a native New Orleanian & proud member of the #WHODAT Nation. I encourage a healthy work-life balance & indulgence in self-care. Some of my self-care activities include prayer, journaling, spending time with my family, festivals, spoiling my two fur babies Bernie & Lady Lola, reading, planning (I’m a proud Planner Babe), traveling & serving my community. I am a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I am also mother to one son, Brian Christopher. I'm also fortunate enough to have several "bonus" kids.

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Louisiana with 30 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 Louisiana with 6 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.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, depression, & 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. I work to combine my clinical expertise with a holistic approach to treatment. Wellness and self-care are key components to getting the most out of treatment and maintaining any treatment progress. I believe each person has unique strengths and challenges and my approach will be tailored to your needs. I work to assure that each client feels comfortable in therapy and that therapy incorporates personal preferences and considers the diverse backgrounds of each individual. I also have substantial experience adapting therapeutic approaches for individuals with neurological or communication differences. 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 a licensed therapist in Louisiana with 18 years of professional experience, specializing in helping clients navigate trauma and abuse. I graduated from Nicholls State University with a Master’s degree in Psychological Counseling, which laid the foundation for my comprehensive understanding of mental health and therapeutic practices. Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing them with the support and tools needed to heal and reclaim their lives. My extensive experience has equipped me with a deep empathy and a nuanced approach to addressing the complex needs of trauma survivors. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and possess numerous strengths that will aid you in overcoming your challenges. My approach to therapy is client-centered and trauma-focused, ensuring that your unique experiences and needs guide our work together. I emphasize a holistic perspective, recognizing the importance of addressing not just the psychological aspects of trauma but also the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions to support your overall well-being. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy requires courage, and I am proud of you for making this important decision. It is an honor to be part of your journey toward healing and personal growth, and I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for you to explore and overcome your challenges. I look forward to working with you!

I am board certified by the state of Louisiana as a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I have a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Holy Cross, a certification in School Counseling as well as an active license to practice Counseling in the state of Louisiana. I am also currently working full time as an Elementary School Special Education Teacher with experience in teaching grades 2-5. I have certifications in Elementary Education grades 1-5, Early Childhood Education, Teacher Mentor, School Counselor, and Special Education grades 1-12. I have worked in the public school setting going on 13 years which has provided me with a variety of hands on experience in working with children of all different ages, abilities, and academic as well as social development. I also have 3 years experience working with adolescents and adults in a clinical setting. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, 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 and determination. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 a licensed therapist in Louisiana, with over 20 years of experience helping people work through stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I also help clients navigate major life changes and the emotions that come with them. My therapeutic approach includes a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. That means we will look at how your thoughts impact your emotions and behaviors, explore the personal stories that shape your perspective, and create a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. My goal is to help you gain clarity, develop coping strategies, and move toward real, lasting change. I believe in being direct yet compassionate. I will challenge unhelpful patterns while also supporting you in a way that feels respectful and encouraging. Therapy is a partnership, and I will tailor our work together to fit your unique needs. Taking the first step toward a happier, more fulfilling life takes courage, and I commend you for considering this journey. I am here to support you every step of the way.