Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Lake Charles, LA

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 believe healing happens in a space where your full story is welcomed and respected. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, depression, and life transitions through a supportive, culturally aware, and collaborative approach.

Many of the clients I support feel emotionally overwhelmed, stuck in patterns that no longer serve them, or exhausted from trying to manage everything on their own. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, strengthen emotional resilience, and develop practical tools that support healthier daily functioning and long-term healing.

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.

I believe that therapy is a partnership built on trust, compassion, and respect. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and experiences. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, behavioral challenges, and life transitions. I understand that seeking therapy can feel overwhelming, and I strive to meet you where you are while helping you build the skills and confidence to create meaningful, lasting change.

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!

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.

I’m a client-centered therapist with more than 14 years of experience working as a mental health provider, addictions counselor, and group therapy facilitator. I work with adults and older teens who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, substance use, recovery, or major life transitions.

I understand that reaching out for therapy can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming, especially when life already feels heavy. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported without judgment. I believe therapy works best when there is a genuine connection, and I strive to build that connection through honesty, compassion, and trust.

I’m passionate about helping people better understand themselves, develop healthier coping skills, and move toward lasting emotional wellness. Whether you are facing a difficult season, feeling stuck, or simply looking for support and guidance, I’m committed to helping you navigate those challenges with greater clarity and confidence.