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Your life experience is one of growth and learning. We all face a variety of challenges and obstacles in life. You may come across moments that are not easy to talk about — struggling academically, navigating personal relationships, what it’s like to live with mental health concerns. It can seem like you are the only one dealing with these issues, but you are not alone. We have a team that cares deeply about your development and success. We are here to support you through the challenges and celebrate your successes.
Emily is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Executive Director at Coastline Counseling. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology Education and Christian Philosophy from Mississippi College and later received a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Emily sees a range of clients from couples, families, and individuals. She utilizes many different therapy techniques including Story Informed Trauma Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Solution Focused, and Prepare/Enrich Marriage Therapy as a Certified Prepare Enrich Therapist. She specializes in grief and PTSD work. Emily views it as an honor to walk alongside individuals through their journey of healing through trauma and other life circumstances.
Elizabeth Kennedy is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling and Therapy from Capella University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Education from Louisiana College. Elizabeth has spent over 20 years working in church settings and has brought this experience into therapy to help clients healing from spiritual or church related abuse trauma. Elizabeth also has experience working with individuals, couples, and families who struggle with the effects of other forms of trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and relational issues. Through the training of Story Informed Trauma Therapy (SITT), Elizabeth takes clients on a journey of recovery from difficult experiences in their life such as abuse, childhood trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression. She uses this trauma-informed, holistic approach to reveal how people’s lives are impacted by their past experiences. Elizabeth believes in a non-judgmental, client-centered approach that allows the client to feel safe and confident in the success of their therapeutic journey. She believes everyone has within themselves the power for healing change and is dedicated to instilling this hope in her clients.
Julie has a unique view on how trauma affects the body and brain and uses a holistic approach in working with patients including EMDR. As a mother of three and spouse of a first responder, she has deep empathy for those struggling to cope with daily stressors as well as healing from past experiences. Sessions with Julie include looking at different parts of someone’s life and looking for the root cause of mental health disturbance. Julie is the founder of Integrative Warrior Assistance, a non-profit organization providing mental health and wellness referral resources and care for first responders and their families, as well as psycho-educational presentations for public service departments. She teaches classes about nervous system regulation to local law enforcement agencies. Julie has worked with at risk youth and their families as a substance abuse counselor intern. She earned a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Art degree in Criminal Justice from Southeastern Louisiana University. In a previous career, Julie served in law enforcement.
Stephanie Hartness is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) with a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Fort Worth, TX). She has spent several years living and working in Asia therapeutically with children and families. She loves to travel and learn about new cultures and try new foods. As a counselor she loves working with adults, children, adolescents and their families in a culturally sensitive, strength building, trauma informed way. She offers Story Informed Trauma Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Child Centered Play Therapy options to clients.
Montray is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC). He received a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and is currently earning his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the same institution. Montray’s passion lies in helping individuals navigate various challenges, including trauma, emotion regulation, anxiety, life transitions, faith-based issues, and other individual concerns. In his therapeutic practice, Montray employs a diverse array of therapeutic techniques, Story Informed Trauma Therapy, EMDR, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Through his trauma-informed and holistic approach Montray believes in a non-judgmental, client-centered approach. He tailors therapy to the uniqueness of each of his clients. Their personality, their goals, and preferences to serve them in the best way possible. Being a part of life change is both an honor and a privilege to him.
Tsuwainla Jamir is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) and Provisionally Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (PLMFT). She received a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is pursuing her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the same institution. Tsuwainla brings the experience of more than 11 years of working in different ministry settings, helping individuals, couples, and families who struggle with the effects of trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and relational issues. Tsuwainla utilizes many different therapy techniques, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, The Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Prepare/Enrich Marriage Therapy as a Certified Prepare Enrich Therapist. Through her trauma-informed and holistic approach, Tsuwainla believes in a non-judgmental, client-centered approach and tailors’ therapy to the uniqueness of her clients, providing a safe space. Tsuwainla sees counseling as a process in which the client and the counselor come to understand and trust one another, work as a team to explore and define present problem situations, develop future goals for an improved life, and work in a systemic fashion toward realizing those goals. She considers it a joy and honor to walk alongside people as they navigate life’s challenges.
Elizabeth is a Marriage & Family Therapist intern at Coastline Counseling. She received her Bachelor’s degree from LSU and is working towards completing her Master’s degree and obtaining her license as a Marriage & Family Therapist. Elizabeth works with couples and families who are experiencing relationship difficulties, as well as adult individuals with a history of trauma. In her work with couples, she uses Emotionally Focused Therapy, which is an evidence-based approach that is effective in treating a wide range of concerns within romantic relationships. In working with individuals, Elizabeth integrates Narrative therapy with a variety of other trauma-informed approaches to help her clients understand the role that their past experiences play in their present lives. As a relational therapist, Elizabeth believes that a strong connection between the client and the therapist is essential, and she strives to create a therapeutic relationship that allows her to work collaboratively with her clients to help them achieve their goals and improve their overall mental health.
Leigh is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW).She received a Masters of Social Worker (MSW) and Masters of Science (MS) in Disaster Resiliency Leadership from Tulane University. Leigh enjoys working with individuals navigating a variety of challenges, particularly those adjusting to changing life circumstances. She employs a variety of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Solution-Focussed Therapy. She believes therapy should be a collaborative process based on mutual respect, professionalism, and openness where the client and practitioner work together to help achieve the client's goals. She aims to provide an open, warm environment where clients feel comfortable being their true, authentic selves.
Celina is a therapist intern at Coastline Counseling. She is currently a Master's level student at Southeastern Louisiana University with plans to graduate in May 2024. Celina sees clients of all backgrounds including individuals and couples. In her sessions, Celina utilizes different therapeutic techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, cognitive reframing, and Solution-focused therapy to best suit her client's needs. Celina is passionate about helping others navigate their emotions and life experiences by finding ways to face challenges and highlighting one's strengths.
