Welcome to my website! Thank you for joining me on your search for a child or teen therapist in Lafayette, Louisiana.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapist. I am a 2003 graduate of the master's program in counseling at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and have an undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
I have over 25 years experience in working with children, adolescents, and families. I began my career as an elementary school teacher and was voted Teacher of the Year during that time. I also served as a Nationally Certified School Counselor in Lafayette Parish.
While serving as a school counselor, I became a certified facilitator in Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Signature Program and have conducted several workshops on The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Families.
I have been honored to be able to present original play therapy techniques regarding childhood anxiety at the Louisiana Association for Play Therapy annual conference in 2016, 2018, and 2020. I was also honored to do a presentation on Childhood Anxiety at the 2016 Louisiana Counselors Association annual state conference in Baton Rouge. I have served on the faculty for the Mid-Atlantic Play Therapy Institute since 2019 and give presentations to other therapists on utilizing play therapy in treating childhood anxiety. Recently, I have written a chapter as a contribution to an upcoming book, The Handbook of Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy: Clinical Applications and Practice, that will be published in 2025/2026!
When children face difficulties, I understand how it can affect every aspect of their lives, including peer and family relationships, as well as their academic performance. I am here to facilitate growth and can help children and families through these challenges. I work with children, adolescents, and their families and also conduct children's groups to help them make positive changes in their lives.
I have extensive experience in using the group process. I have conducted groups to help school-age children manage issues associated with anger, anxiety, social skills, and behavioral concerns, along with school success groups.
When working with clients, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy, and incorporate other expressive therapy techniques with older children. The techniques I use are creative and "fun" in order to be engaging for my young clients.
Because "play" is the language of the child, as a Play Therapist, my unique ability to utilize play and expressive therapies allows me to communicate with children, learning their perspective to issues; therefore, gaining the understanding necessary to facilitate positive change and growth.
It has been my ambition to be able to treat the whole child when it comes to mental health. I am now able to use Functional Medicine Nutrition and Lifestyle approaches to treat mental health concerns, such as ADHD and Anxiety!
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapist. I am a 2003 graduate of the master's program in counseling at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and have an undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
I have over 25 years experience in working with children, adolescents, and families. I began my career as an elementary school teacher and was voted Teacher of the Year during that time. I also served as a Nationally Certified School Counselor in Lafayette Parish.
While serving as a school counselor, I became a certified facilitator in Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Signature Program and have conducted several workshops on The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Families.
I have been honored to be able to present original play therapy techniques regarding childhood anxiety at the Louisiana Association for Play Therapy annual conference in 2016, 2018, and 2020. I was also honored to do a presentation on Childhood Anxiety at the 2016 Louisiana Counselors Association annual state conference in Baton Rouge. I have served on the faculty for the Mid-Atlantic Play Therapy Institute since 2019 and give presentations to other therapists on utilizing play therapy in treating childhood anxiety. Recently, I have written a chapter as a contribution to an upcoming book, The Handbook of Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy: Clinical Applications and Practice, that will be published in 2025/2026!
When children face difficulties, I understand how it can affect every aspect of their lives, including peer and family relationships, as well as their academic performance. I am here to facilitate growth and can help children and families through these challenges. I work with children, adolescents, and their families and also conduct children's groups to help them make positive changes in their lives.
I have extensive experience in using the group process. I have conducted groups to help school-age children manage issues associated with anger, anxiety, social skills, and behavioral concerns, along with school success groups.
When working with clients, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy, and incorporate other expressive therapy techniques with older children. The techniques I use are creative and "fun" in order to be engaging for my young clients.
Because "play" is the language of the child, as a Play Therapist, my unique ability to utilize play and expressive therapies allows me to communicate with children, learning their perspective to issues; therefore, gaining the understanding necessary to facilitate positive change and growth.
It has been my ambition to be able to treat the whole child when it comes to mental health. I am now able to use Functional Medicine Nutrition and Lifestyle approaches to treat mental health concerns, such as ADHD and Anxiety!
Making A Difference ~ One Child at A Time
