I am pleased to announce that I am now a board certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, in addition to being a nationally certified Licensed Professional Counselor.
My combination of credentials underscores my belief that medications may be necessary at times, but, the real work of change happens in therapy.
My training and personal philosophy are holistic in that I consider the emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and even academic/career concerns of clients I care for.
In addition to my counseling practice at Crossroads (225) 341-4147, I provide psychiatric nurse practitioner services at Family Focus (225) 231-7155, Mondays and Tuesdays.
I am originally from Anchorage, Alaska. I graduated from the University of Alaska in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. I enjoyed many years in telemetry, cardiac and intensive care, and dialysis. More recently, I have worked in medical/surgical nursing. My circuitous path eventually led me to Baton Rouge where I was busy raising my five children and homeschooling. In 1997, I helped to establish the Baton Rouge Christian Classical School. For eight years, I served at the school in a variety of areas including administration, curriculum development, and teaching. In 2004, I began my studies in the community counseling graduate program at Louisiana State University. I graduated with my Masters in Community Counseling in May 2008 and have been approved by the Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
During my graduate studies, I had the opportunity to work at the Mental Health Center on the Southeastern University campus in Hammond. It was there and partly as a result of my personal experiences, that I developed a particular concern for women and the unique issues and challenges they face. I also worked in Louisiana State University’s Career Services Department as an intern and continue working there as a part-time career counselor. As a result of working with many college students and alumni, I am keenly aware of the need for help in the area of major/career decision making. Lack of direction regarding selection of a college major or career can create enormous frustration, not to mention loss of time and money. The common thread winding its way through nursing, parenting, teaching, and counseling is a deep concern for and interest in people. I believe God has called me to each of these things.
I am a Christian. I was raised in the Christian faith and don’t remember a time when I didn’t believe. Life circumstances have, at times, shaken the foundations, and I have had to struggle with questions of whether God was trustworthy and good. My walk with Christ has deepened into a loving relationship, rather than a doctrinal checklist as a result of those hard times. I have had moments being weary in the journey and stuck in a particular area. Both my faith and counseling have helped to restore clarity, strength, and hope. It would be a privilege to come along side when you find yourself in those rough places as well.
Contact Information:
(225) 341-4147
sjones@crossroadcounselor.com
