Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Lake Charles, LA

I bring to my work both professional ( LCSW/ Social Work) training and decades of lived experience. As a first generation American who grew up on the Louisiana bayous, I have traveled widely through Europe, India and many other parts of the world immersing myself in diverse cultures, faiths, and perspectives. I am well versed in the arena of substance abuse and recovery work. I have supported people through the dying process, grief and loss; and, have helped many walk through their fears, their sense of hopelessness, despair and lack of purpose. I approach anxiety and depression holistically by focusing on the mind/ body/ spirit connection. My own journey has taught me that healing is always possible and that we are all WORKS IN PROGRESS.

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’m a Licensed Professional Counselor, and I believe therapy is a space to find meaning, heal, and reconnect with yourself. My work is grounded in an existential approach, and I help clients navigate life’s challenges with greater self-awareness, purpose, and growth. Since 2022, I’ve worked as a school counselor and PLPC, supporting children, teens, and adults with anxiety, stress, and relationship concerns using CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Brief Solution-Focused Therapy.

Hello! I have spent 4 years working in a clinical setting with all types of clients, specializing in mood disorders, PTSD, and individuals who have auditory and visual hallucinations. I try to demystify mental health and the stigmas surrounding it.

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 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.