I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 23 years of experience in the mental health field. My clients are mainly adults and young adults with depression, anxiety, addictions, grief/loss, sexuality issues, relationship problems and stress. I am also suited to work with clients who are experiencing sports performance and physical health challenges, and those looking to restore balance in their lives following transitions. My office is conveniently located in Uptown New Orleans and easily accessible to college students. Please visit my website at www.janellkalifey.com

I am a LCSW with 6+ years of experience working with both adolescents and adults. I received a BA from UNO and my MSW from Tulane in 2009. I have inpatient and outpatient experience with adults who have suffered from mood and personality disorders; and with adolescents with self esteem issues and poor coping skills. I specialize specifically in treating depression and anxiety disorders in both adolescents and adults. I am also a trained doula/birth specialist and offer therapy to women who are seeking support in pre/postpartum phases.

**I am currently unable to accept new clients, updated 10/1/20** When someone is suffering s/he may begin to feel numb, disconnected, and unable to cope effectively with every day challenges. This person may have developed behaviors like lying, misusing substances, avoiding or procrastinating that make them feel even worse. With the right therapist, you can begin to explore the reason behind the feelings and subsequent behaviors. With understanding and awareness, you can start to make small changes that help you feel better. I am here to help you along this journey.

Welcome! Perhaps you have contemplated finding a therapist for a long time, perhaps you have been in therapy in the past and are experiencing a new chapter or new life experiences with different challenges, or perhaps you would like an objective space through which to explore how your thoughts and feelings affect your fulfillment. Whether you are unfulfilled with interpersonal relationships, with your ability to regulate your emotions, or you are overwhelmed by anxiety, panic, fear, and shame, you are not alone. I welcome an opportunity to work with you to find ways to work through these emotions with a purpose of finding peace.

I view the relationship as central to the counseling process. My goal is to help my clients develop a stronger and healthier relationship not only with others in their lives, but with themselves as well. I feel that understanding our unconscious motivations, desires, and fears is an important part of the work that we will be doing. It is my belief that in understanding these lesser known parts of ourselves, we are better able to understand our unhealthy reactions to situations and learn to find new ways of relating to ourselves and others.

I work with clients experiencing relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and marriage and family concerns. I work from an interpersonal, attachment-based, and systemic perspective, informed by body awareness and mindfulness practices. In the container of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, we will build awareness of your process--physical, mental, emotional, and interpersonal--as it unfolds both in and out of session. This combination of connection and awareness, over time, can transform the way you relate to yourself, to others, and to the wider world.

In life, we face obstacles that seem hard to overcome. We can get stuck in negative thinking patterns colored by past experiences, feel hopeless in a world that seems out of our control, or come to realize later in life how certain trauma and grief experiences have impacted our perspectives. I offer a collaborative style of therapy to help individuals navigate the many challenges life can present such as trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and life transitions. I believe that everyone’s journey in life is unique and I help clients overcome the struggles that impact daily life to find peace and meaning in their personal experiences.

My areas of focus include but are not limited to assisting clients who are living with depression, stress, anxiety, grief and loss, substance abuse, impaired self-esteem, life adjustments, and school related issues. I also assist clients in learning how to better express their concerns and frustrations by helping them to identify their individual right and the importance of doing so in a constructive manner which in turn, builds their confidence and promotes positive interpersonal skills.

Many people struggle with stress, worries, life changes, or relationship difficulties, but don't have to the skills or support needed to handle them in a healthy way. Counseling is simply a time for personal reflection with a professional who can help guide you towards positive growth and change. During counseling sessions, I will help you explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment, providing you the insight and awareness needed to move forward, instead of feeling stuck or helpless. You don't have to go through life's difficult situations alone!

Obviously we are dealing with extraordinary uncertainty and heightened stress due to the pandemic and other national tragedies. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma or other issues stemming from current circumstances, please get in touch. Or if you have other personal or relationship issues you need help with, I am here to assist with those as well. I truly love getting to know my clients while helping them sift through their past issues and current roadblocks. I’m exclusively offering tele-therapy via Zoom at this time. Please email for more information or with any questions. Take care and stay safe!

I believe that a mutually trusting relationship between client and counselor is primary to personal change. With all clients, I work to provide a safe, comfortable environment in which clients can freely explore new ideas and resolve problems. I strive to help each client discover new options and perspectives, enabling more effective choices for his/her life. Together with my clients, I establish both short and long term goals aimed at alleviating symptoms and developing healthier lifetime patterns. I have experienced and enjoyed working with people from many walks of life.

As a psychotherapist, I strive to create a supportive and hopeful atmosphere where you may safely address barriers to leading a life that fulfills you. I use a blend of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, EMDR, and mindfulness-based therapies, drawing from my own training and practice in mindfulness.

Therapy can be a powerful way to achieving happiness, acceptance and greater life satisfaction. I approach each client and couple with compassion, empathy and value the unique life experience of my clients. Sessions are tailored to each person's needs and comforts, helping the individual understand, gain insight and work through issues. Focusing on the body as a guide to offer further insight is a strong part of my practice.

Change can be scary. Ironically, in order to enact change we actually need to start with self-acceptance. A deep sense of I-am-OK-ness provides the empowerment necessary to embark on change. This is where a solid therapeutic relationship can be profoundly supportive. It can provide a space of strength, safety and compassion - where the fears and obstacles can be unpacked and where you can discover and trust your innate abilities and strengths. Areas of expertise: Eating Disorders, Body Image and Body Dysmorphia, Women's Issues, Social Anxiety, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Concerns and Life Transitions.

I believe that anyone can benefit from therapy. We all sometimes need help adjusting to changes in our lives and knowing how to best take care of ourselves. When we’re in the day-to-day it's easy to get lost in our habits and struggle with making changes or reflecting on if what we’re doing is really helping/healthy. I’m here to support you and give you a safe space to explore your choices. Therapy should be a space where you can talk and gain insight into what’s going on in your life and how you want to proceed.

My work focuses on motivating, assisting, and supporting your desired changes. The process begins by clarifying goals, identifying impediments, and developing alternative ways to move forward. As a licensed clinical social worker I treat children, adolescents, and adults in both long and short-term therapy. My training and extensive experience is in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and depression. In addition I have obtained the status of certified ADHD coach. Other experiences include assisting patients with the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder, personal transitions, and advocacy.

Are you experiencing any of the following? Depressed mood/Anxiety/Increased Stress? Concern about substance use? Problems in relationships or Inability to manage emotions? Unsatisfied with life or seeking personal growth? I can help with these concerns and work with you to achieve your goals.

Do you have difficulty recalling your childhood memories? Have you been in therapy for years and still find yourself in a tunnel? I can assist with finding your way out of this tunnel. As a trauma therapist, I understand it is not easy to talk about your past. I teach clients healthy coping skills and grounding techniques to help pull away from flash backs, Unwanted memories, and negative, or challenging emotions. These techniques help client ease up in session and leave their past in a safe container after each session.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board Approved Clinical Supervisor with 21 years of mental health experience, and have a law degree. I treat a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression and bi-polar depression, relationship issues and couple's counseling, and family mediation.