Meet The Counselors
Laura Squires
PhD, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Owner
After spending a few years as a civil engineer, I decided to return to my original dream of becoming a counselor. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from SLU, Bachelor of Science from LSU, Master of Science in Counseling in Marriage, Family, and Couples Therapy from SLU, and my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Holy Cross. I am a board certified as a National Certified counselor (NCC) by the National Board for Certified Counselors, and I have earned certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional from Evergreen Certifications. I have been trained in Level II Brainspotting.
My primary clinical focus is on trauma and life adjustments. With that, I utilize a trauma-informed, client focused approach. I try to understand each of my clients' perspectives, while also looking for the meaning behind actions and words. I hope to provide a safe and supportive environment at Healing Paths as you navigate through this journey. I utilize a variety of interventions to meet clients' needs, such as a brain-body approach to help regulate themselves as we work through issues and events, expressive arts, sandtray, play, and talk. I work with adolescents, teens, and adults. I provide both in person and virtual sessions within the state of Louisiana.
Throughout my professional journey/career as a counselor, I have presented at local, state, and national level counseling conferences in the areas of supervision, counselor safety, burnout, and ways to help students with academic progression. In addition to the presentations, I have provided training on various topics such as effective listening skills, Generation Z, and college success for women in STEM.
It would be my privilege to walk these Healing Paths with you.
Rebecca Gill
LPC, NCC.
Counselor
Rebecca Gill is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of the Cumberlands.
Throughout my career, I have presented at state and national conferences and co-authored a textbook chapter on play therapy. I have delivered presentations on childhood trauma, expressive arts, play therapy techniques, counseling supervision, and counselor wellness.
Before starting private practice, I worked as a mental health provider in the school system and with adults with severe mental illness in an outpatient program. My internship at a child advocacy center involved counseling abused children, teenagers, and their non-offending family members. These experiences have equipped me with diverse therapeutic approaches, including expressive arts, play therapy, and utilizing trauma-informed care.
My therapeutic theory is grounded in empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to help others heal and grow. I consider the emotional, social, physical, and academic/career aspects of everyone. I understand that seeking counseling can be a difficult and vulnerable step, and I am dedicated to creating a warm, non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Through a compassionate and individualized approach, I aim to empower my clients to discover meaning of their lived experiences.
As you navigate your journey towards emotional well-being, it would be my privilege to walk these Healing Paths with you.
Brant Passman
Counselor
M.S., LPC, NCC
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from SLU in 2017 and then worked closely with cancer patients, family members, caregivers, and the local community. I received my Master of Science in Counseling in Clinical Mental Health from SLU in 2021. I have experience working in different levels of care such as residential substance use treatment, psychiatric inpatient hospital settings, and intensive outpatient programs. Listening to my clients and providing them the support they deserve helped unlock my deep passion for mental health and the counseling profession.
I utilize a person-centered approach while working with clients. I view the relationship between me and my clients to be sacred. I aim to help clients identify different parts of themselves that may be connected to deeper rooted issues. This can look like exploring the meaning of the thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations that arise in the moment while we work together. I believe understanding these parts can create an opportunity to grow and become more self-compassionate. I also use a strengths-based perspective to identify current and past ways clients have faced and still face adversity. I also integrate a variety of interventions while working with clients such as expressive arts and talk therapy.
I would be honored to walk together with you on these Healing Paths.
Katie Payne,
M.S., PLPC, NCC
I received my Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Studies from Louisiana Tech University in 2016. I went on to earn my Master of Science in Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2020, with a concentration in Marriage, Family, and Couples Counseling. While I’ve learned a lot about individual mental health, I’ve also been trained to understand how we’re all shaped by the relationships and systems around us, which I believe is key to truly understanding someone’s story.
I work with children, teens, adults, and couples navigating all kinds of challenges. Whether it’s anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, I take a client-centered, strengths-based approach and often pull from systems theory. I believe therapy should never be one-size-fits-all. My goal is to meet each client where they are and tailor our work to fit their unique needs and goals. I strive to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and real. Therapy works best when there's trust, connection, and mutual understanding. That’s where we’ll start.
I offer both in-person and telehealth sessions, so we can find what works best for you. If you're curious to see if we’d be a good fit, feel free to reach out. I’d love to talk!
Elisabeth Edwards,
M.S., LPC
Elisabeth likes to use a strengths based approach coupled with her trauma informed background. As she listens to your story she does so with a trauma lens. She will help you to challenge your thinking, process negative feelings, and work through the difficult pieces of your story. We will look closely at how your thoughts affect your emotions, feelings, and experiences.
She not in the business of band-aiding issues. She wants to help you dig deep into the root of issues going on. During your first few sessions, she will be gathering background information and making sure you have the coping skills to help us dive deep into the issues at hand. After about a month or so clients see a gradual lifting of symptoms.
She enjoys working with with teens, young adults, and adults. She has worked with Christian, Mormon, atheist, agnostic, and other faiths.
Elisabeth is available for virtual sessions only.
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Insurances accepted: United Healthcare
Call us direct at 985-259-7869