Grief counselors and therapists in Lake Charles, LA

With over thirteen years of experience in the field, I bring a depth of knowledge and a steady, grounded presence to every session. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and one of only eight Certified DBT Specialists (C-DBT) in the state of Louisiana. I received my DBT training at a VA hospital, where I had the privilege of working closely with veterans and developing a strong foundation in trauma-informed care.

Throughout my career, I have worked across all levels of care, from crisis settings to outpatient therapy, and that range has made me a confident, compassionate guide for clients navigating emotionally intense situations. I am also a Certified Trauma Specialist, and my work spans adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing challenges like trauma and PTSD, borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, addiction, self-harm, and eating disorders. I believe deeply that recovery is possible and that renewed hope is always within reach.

If you have been feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed by relationship or family conflict, or weighed down by grief, loss, or intimacy concerns, you do not have to carry it alone. For 35 years, I have helped people navigate these challenges, including military families facing active duty and retirement transitions. I also bring a strong sense of fairness that helps me connect with clients making sense of hurt and confusion.

My name is Michele. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 22 years of experience. I am licensed in the state of Louisiana by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners. I grew up near the New Orleans area in a small town called Luling. I graduated from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux Louisiana and Tulane University in New Orleans.

I am a dedicated and compassionate counselor with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Concordia University Wisconsin. I have experience working in substance abuse treatment, as well as providing individual and group therapy in both mental health clinic settings and public schools.

My clinical background includes supporting clients in diverse environments, where I have provided mental health services to individuals, adolescents, and groups. I am experienced in addressing substance use challenges alongside a range of mental health concerns.

My approach integrates evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.

There are times in life when it feels like you're doing everything you're supposed to do, but somehow you're still exhausted, frustrated, disconnected, or stuck in the same patterns. You may be carrying stress, struggling in relationships, navigating depression, trying to be everything for everyone else, or realizing that the strategies that used to work for you simply aren't working anymore.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor with nearly a decade of experience working with adolescents and adults, I help clients move beyond simply surviving and begin creating meaningful change. Whether you're navigating depression, trauma, relationship challenges, family conflict, men's issues, grief, or major life transitions, we'll work together to understand what's keeping you stuck, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools that you can actually use outside of therapy.

Welcome. I’m glad you’re here.

Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming. I aim to create a safe, collaborative, and grounded space from the beginning. I meet clients where they are and move at a pace that feels manageable and respectful.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, trauma, addiction, and relationship challenges. I also specialize in complex and developmental trauma.

I support clients in integrating their spiritual and cultural values into therapy when desired and clinically appropriate. I was born in New Orleans and bring a culturally informed perspective shaped by my Latina, Indigenous, Christian, and Sephardic Jewish backgrounds.

I became a therapist because I have a deep commitment to helping people recognize and build their own strengths, especially during periods of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. I understand that seeking support takes courage, and I work to create a space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported throughout the process.

I earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) and PhD from Tulane University, as well as a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Louisiana and Texas, and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Minnesota. I also hold a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Licensed Prevention Professional (LPP), and Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP).

Looking for someone who will truly listen? I believe everyone needs support, and I strive to be that steady presence in therapy. Clients often describe me as warm, open-minded, and easy to talk to. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and comfortable being yourself.

Hello,

I am a proud LGTB member that is flexible with my approach to assist with a variety of mental health barriers.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals, adolescents, young adults, and families through challenging life experiences. I understand that opening up to someone you’ve never met can feel intimidating, and my goal is to create a calm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel safe sharing your story. I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, complex trauma, relationship struggles, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions that can leave people feeling stuck or uncertain about how to move forward.

My experience includes working in private practice and community-based settings with adolescents and young adults who may be at risk or navigating difficult family dynamics, identity development, stress, and trauma-related challenges. I have also trained in play therapy and incorporate developmentally appropriate techniques when working with younger clients. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from the Tulane University School of Social Work and strongly believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important part of meaningful change. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, and walking my little black dog, Buddy!