Licensed to practice in Louisiana and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Self Esteem and 6 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
I am Dana St Julien, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges while discovering their strengths, resilience, and authentic selves. In addition to my social work training, I believe healing is most effective when we consider the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. My journey in the helping profession has provided me with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families across a variety of settings. Throughout my career, I have served as a Housing Supervisor for a transitional housing program, a School Pupil Appraisal Social Worker, a member of an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, a CPST/PSR provider, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) group facilitator, and a social worker within juvenile justice settings. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors that impact mental wellness.
At Serene Essence Counseling & Wellness LLC, my goal is to empower you with the tools, insight, and confidence needed to create meaningful change and live a more fulfilling life. I look forward to partnering with you as you take the next step toward wellness and becoming the best version of yourself.
My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and transparent. I strive to create a comfortable space where clients feel safe to be themselves, openly explore their concerns, and gain new perspectives. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem challenges, or simply feeling overwhelmed, I am committed to meeting you where you are and walking alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth.
I am best positioned to serve adolescents and adults who are navigating emotional, behavioral, relational, or life-transition challenges and who are ready to actively engage in the change process. This includes individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, low self-esteem, or difficulty regulating emotions. I also work well with clients managing life transitions such as relationship changes, parenting stress, career shifts, or adjusting to increased responsibilities and expectations. Many of the clients I serve are “high-functioning but overwhelmed”—they are able to maintain daily responsibilities but feel internally dysregulated, stuck, or disconnected from themselves or others. Others may feel unmotivated, emotionally shut down, or uncertain about direction and purpose. Therapeutically, I am a strong fit for clients who are open to reflection and skill-building. My approach supports people who want to: Understand patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships Develop healthier coping strategies and emotional regulation skills Strengthen boundaries and communication Process past experiences that continue to impact present functioning Build clarity, confidence, and consistency in daily life I work best with clients who are willing to participate in therapy as a collaborative process, even if they are unsure where to start. Many begin feeling uncertain or guarded and grow into a more engaged and self-directed space over time.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I use CBT to help clients identify unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns, challenge those thoughts, and replace them with more balanced and realistic perspectives. This approach supports clients in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress while building practical coping skills they can apply in daily life.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, client-centered approach designed to strengthen a person’s own motivation and commitment to change. I use MI to help clients explore ambivalence, clarify their values, and identify personal reasons for change without judgment or pressure. This method is especially helpful for clients who feel stuck, uncertain, or resistant, as it supports autonomy while gently guiding movement toward healthier choices.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is a goal-oriented approach that emphasizes strengths, resources, and solutions rather than focusing heavily on problems. I use SFBT to help clients identify what is already working, set clear and achievable goals, and build on small successes. This approach is practical and future-focused, helping clients create meaningful change in a shorter period of time by highlighting their existing resilience and capabilities.