Grief counselors and therapists in Lake Charles, LA

Starting therapy can be a big step, and you don’t have to do it alone. I believe everyone deserves a supportive space to be themselves and work through life’s challenges.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience helping adolescents, adults, and older adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief, life transitions, family conflict, serious mental illness, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. I’ve supported people facing both everyday stress and more complex mental health concerns.

Therapy isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about gaining insight, building resilience, and creating meaningful change at a pace that feels right. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply need extra support, I’m here to help.

With over 30 years of experience partnering with clients from all walks of life, I have learned one fundamental truth: the power to heal, grow, and transform already lives within you. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), my goal is to help you tap into that potential. I don't believe therapy is something done to you it is a collaborative journey we take together. If you are ready to actively participate in your own growth, I am here to provide the expertise, tools, and unwavering support to help you succeed.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe that mental health support should feel conversational and welcoming. Taking the first step toward seeking help can be uncomfortable, and I strive to create an environment where adolescents and young adults feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their time with me.

With experience in inpatient care working with adolescents, as well as serving as a school social worker, I have supported young people through a variety of emotional and life challenges. My focus is on helping adolescents and young adults navigate grief and loss, anxiety, depression, family conflict, and adjustment-related issues.

I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist who works with individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, and life transitions. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and exposure-based interventions, while also incorporating practical, real-world strategies that clients can apply outside of session.

I strive to create a space where clients feel both supported and challenged. I believe meaningful growth happens when clients are not only heard, but also guided toward understanding their patterns, building insight, and taking intentional steps toward change. I am intentional about helping clients stay engaged in the therapeutic process, using structured interventions and clear direction so sessions feel purposeful and effective.

My work often focuses on helping clients confront avoidance, process difficult experiences, and rebuild a sense of control and confidence in their lives. I value helping clients translate what they learn in therapy into action, whether that’s through exposure work , skill-building, or developing healthier ways of thinking and responding.

Above all, I aim to empower my clients to help them move from feeling stuck or overwhelmed to feeling capable, resilient, and aligned with the life they want to live.

I’m Velia R. Bradley, a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in Louisiana with over 10 years of experience supporting people through emotional and psychological challenges. I earned my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and am currently pursuing a doctorate focused on Counseling Education, Supervision, Trauma, and Crisis Interventions. My approach is holistic and client-centered, with care for the mind, body, soul, and spirit. I meet you where you are and work alongside you at your pace, with honesty, warmth, and respect.

I work with adults and children who feel overwhelmed by painful experiences, difficult memories, or life circumstances that have left them feeling stuck. If you've been carrying grief, trauma, anger, or emotions that feel hard to manage on your own, you don't have to sort through it alone. Therapy can be a place to slow down, better understand what you're going through, and begin moving toward healing with support, honesty, and hope.

You might be feeling exhausted from holding everything together, anxious about the future, or stuck in patterns that no longer fit who you are. I work primarily with women and couples navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship stress, and trauma that can be hard to put into words. Many of my clients are new to therapy or haven’t always felt culturally safe or understood in past spaces. With me, you don’t have to shrink yourself or explain your whole identity just to be believed. Together, we’ll work toward you feeling more grounded, more confident, and more like yourself again.

I believe everyone needs help from time to time.

I specialize in evening and weekend appointments. Later appointments are available, please request your needs.

I am a friendly goal-oriented therapist who believes strongly in positive self-reinforcement. I have a Master's degree from La Tech University with a background in private practice for over 20 years. I am Licensed in Louisiana and Texas as a professional counselor. I am also Licensed as a marriage and family therapist in Louisiana.

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).

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!