Our Counselors, Therapists and Life Coaches in Louisiana

Quian Lewis, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Congratulations on taking the first step toward improving your mind and body. It is not by chance that you have arrived. Every choice that you have ever made, every belief and thought that has entered your mind throughout your life has led you to this very moment. I am Quian. Thank you for considering me as someone who will walk with you as you embark on this new journey of self- discovery, purposeful expression of feelings, empowerment and self- determination. I look forward to meeting you right where you are. Together we home in on individualized coping skills based on your own struggles and strengths to achieve your goals that are an invaluable part of life's satiety. 

Education

Tulane University
Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Studies

University of Southern California
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• OCD
• Adoption Issues

Andrea R. Engels, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Andrea Engels is a therapist who specializes in depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, addiction, and more. Whether you are experiencing difficulties in your relationship, struggling to cope with a loss, hoping to manage symptoms of anxiety or depression more effectively, or just need guidance managing what life throws at you, Andrea is confident that she can help.

As your therapist, Andrea is here to guide and support you as you walk through challenging situations and move down the path of achieving greater wellbeing, awareness, and happiness. Together, you will be able to highlight your strengths and examine thoughts and feelings that contribute to your personal struggles, symptoms, and challenges.

"Today is a new day, full of promise and hope. Each new experience opens the door to possibilities, empowerment, and well-being," says Andrea. "All great journeys begin with a single step. By taking this first step you have chosen to embark on your own journey of self-reflection, self-discovery, and empowerment." She looks forward to embarking on your journey with you as you move forward to achieve your goals and overcome your challenges.

Education

PhD

Specialties

• 13-65+
• Marriage
• Families
• Personality Disorders
• PTSD
• Bipolar Disorder
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• CBT
• DBT

Daffaney Webster, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Daffaney is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner- Board Certified by the State of Louisiana.  Daffaney is a member of the American Nursing Association, The American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the Louisiana State Nurses Association. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner; Daffaney will provide holistic care for the family with an integrative approach. Daffaney received her master’s degree from the University of South Alabama with also receiving a master’s degree in Health Care Administration in 2013 at the University of Phoenix. Daffaney enjoys the population she works with and has committed her career to mental health services for over 15 years.

After working over a decade in mental health, Daffaney has obtained the advance knowledge in mental health care delivery inpatient and outpatient, forensic psychiatric treatment, care coordination, community placement, substance abuse treatment, medication management, inclusive of treatment planning for pre-trial, competent and incompetency forensically involved clients. Daffaney’s experience has provided her the opportunity to navigate into state and federal government subsidy programs, pharmaceuticals, and private health care integrated care systems. Moreover, while her position as a Register Nurse, her education has afforded her a well-rounded skillset, including excellent administrative skills, leadership and communication.

In addition to my experience and relationship-building experience, I have obtained great communication skills and a passion for mental health care. My focus will be to listen to you and provide the best care possible. Apart of my responsibility to you is to practice with care, and empathy. I am eager to meet with you and be your Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Education

University of South Alabama
Masters Degree

Specialties

• 18+ Medication Management

DeAngela Francis-Johnson, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

When asked about who had the most positive influence on her life, DeAngela K. Francis-Johnson dedicated that title to her highly empathetic and intuitive mother and father. She carried their lessons of wisdom, patience, self-awareness, and kindness for all with her into her profession and built those values directly into her patient care philosophy. Known for her extreme consideration and respect for others, DeAngela greatly enjoys getting to know her patients as a way to better provide them with the emotional management tools necessary to build a healthy lifestyle and experience relief from their condition. 

DeAngela is passionate about offering quality psychotherapy and individualized treatment plans which are paired with medication if needed. She is dedicated to ensuring each of her patients know they are heard and understood, cared for, and understood while doing the necessary internal work to overcome their condition and improve their quality of life. 

Offering her patients applicable quality solutions and seeing them gain relief from their problems is one of DeAngela’s favorite aspects of her career. Furthermore, she greatly enjoys getting to meet different people while playing a part in improving their quality of life. She happily invites anyone seeking help to reach out to her for care and assistance. 

Education 

McNeese State University
Post Masters in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Grambling State University
Masters of Science in Nursing 

Specialities

• Anxiety 
• Depression
• LGBT Issues 
• Mood Disorder 
• Sleep Disorders 
• Bipolar Disorder 
• Substance Abuse 
• Adjustment Disorder 
• Alcohol Dependency 
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Shawnell Ware, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Engaging in the therapeutic process has rewards to learn about self and coping mechanisms to deal with life stressors. I am Dr. Shawnell Ware, LCSW-BACS, with over 25 years of experience in mental health working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. The treatment modalities used are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. Engaging consumers in the therapeutic process allows one to teach skills how to manage stress effectively, improve communication, problem-solving, increase self-confidence and improve decision-making skills. Working together, we can achieve the ability to adapt to complex situations, change self-defeating behaviors, improve communication and manage emotions. My goal is to help consumers and scholars identify their strengths by utilizing problem-solving skills to foster growth and self-sufficiency. My mission is to advocate, empower and transform the lives of others to maintain self-worth, and live a wholesome life to their max potential. Confidentiality coupled with respect, compassion, empathy, and commitment are the benefits of working with a licensed clinical social worker.

Education

Education Doctorate Degree
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Specializations

• Codependency
• Emotional Disturbance
• Family Mediation
• Grief
• Life Coach
• Peer Relations
• Trauma, PTSD
• Family Mediation
• Couples Therapy
• Anger Management
• Family Conflict
• ADHD
• Depression/Mood Disorder
• Oppositional Defiant
• Relationship Building
• Conflict Resolution
• Social Skills Building

Stephanie Breland Dean, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Stephanie B. Dean, MA, LPC, is a psychotherapist with more than 7 years of experience and training in assisting children, teens, adults, and seniors with concerns related to women’s issues, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit disorders (ADHD), family-of-origin issues, low self-esteem, and more. Stephanie possesses special skills and experience in working with patients to uncover core issues and get to the “root of the problem”, especially in cases in which feelings of extreme guilt or shame are involved. Additionally, Mrs. Dean has personal experience and skills in working with individuals who have experienced trauma such as catastrophic events, sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect.

Stephanie earned her Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and is the founder of Greater Bogalusa Community Center, a nonprofit, human services organization in Bogalusa, LA. She primarily counsels from a client-centered, psychodynamic approach and may employ counseling modalities of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solutions-focused brief therapy (SFBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, and “priming” psychology for self-actualization.

Stephanie seeks to develop a warm and caring relationship with you while collaborating with you to reach your counseling goals. She counsels from a strengths-based, goal-focused perspective while building the client-counselor relationship; she listens with genuine empathy and understands many issues from personal experience. Stephanie believes that all individuals possess the innate ability to create and live any life they choose.

Education

Liberty University
Master of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling

Specialties

• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Stress management 
• Substance abuse issues

Van Austin, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Van Austin is both a Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor in the state of California,  and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana. He has over 25 years  experience working with individuals, couples, and groups seeking help with a full range  

of issues. Van is also an ordained minister in the interfaith tradition, and draws as  appropriate on universal spiritual principles to help others achieve deep, ongoing  happiness. Beyond his BA degree, he holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology,  and a Doctorate in Human Behavior Psychology. 

Van “walks his talk,” and encourages those with whom he works to adopt positive self management; to challenge outgrown, self-defeating ideas; and to live through  empowering perspectives that enhance well-being in themselves and in those around  them.  

Van creates warm, trusting relationships with his clients, and models the qualities of  wholehearted, compassionate awareness; deep insight; and the spirit of humor and  fun. 

Education 

Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology
Antioch University;

Doctorate in Human Behavior Psychology
Ryokan College

Specialties 

• Self-Esteem 
• Relationship Issues 
• Addiction 
• Stress Management 
• Grief 
• Positive psychology