About Beautiful Minds

At Beautiful Minds Counseling & Wellness, we are a team of dedicated professionals committed to providing comprehensive mental health and wellness support for individuals and families in our community. Our approach is rooted in compassion, expertise, and a genuine desire to help you live your best life.

Our Locations

We are thrilled with the opportunity to serve our community with two convenient locations to better serve our clients. Both locations are just 1.4 miles apart, giving you the flexibility to choose the location that best fits your needs.

Administration

Our office team is the glue of our practice. They ensure your experience is seamless from the moment you walk through the door. You’ll always feel welcomed, supported, and cared for by these incredible ladies who make sure all the details are handled with the utmost care.

Caron Hunter

Office Manager

About Caron

Caron Hunter is the Office Manager at Beautiful Minds Counseling and Wellness. She grew up in West Monroe and graduated from Delta Community College. She has an educational background and professional experience as a nationally certified phlebotomist, EKG tech, and a medical assistant.

Outside of work, she spends much of her time as a baseball mom at the ballpark. Caron also loves to travel, watch true crime television, paint, and cook for her family. Caron has three children: a sassy cheerleader, a baseball player, and a soccer player who loves botany!

Whitney Durand

Office Assistant

About Whitney

Whitney is the Office Assistant at Beautiful Minds Counseling and Wellness. She grew up in West Monroe and is a proud graduate of Claiborne Christian School. With six years of professional experience as an office manager and administrative assistant, Whitney thrives in creating a welcoming environment and enjoys connecting with people. Outside of work, Whitney is a devoted mom to a busy and talented daughter, who keeps her on the go with dance, pep squad, basketball, and softball. Family time is a top priority, and she cherishes moments spent with her daughter, husband, and loved ones—whether it's sharing a meal, playing games, or enjoying a good cup of coffee.

An active lifestyle is important to Whitney, and she loves going to the gym and engaging in anything that keeps her moving. When it's time to unwind, she enjoys diving into a gripping crime documentary or getting lost in a mystery novel.

Counseling Services

At Beautiful Minds, we are proud to have a team of licensed counselors who are dedicated to providing high-quality care. All of our counselors are licensed by the LPC Board of the State of Louisiana, ensuring that you receive the most professional and effective counseling services. If a counselor is listed as a PLPC (Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor) or as an intern, it means they are under the supervision of our highly experienced licensed counselors, who are on-site to provide guidance and support.

We offer a variety of counseling services to meet the unique needs of each client, including individual therapy, family therapy, and group counseling, all tailored to help you work toward a healthier, happier life.

Cypress Street Location

At our Cypress Street location, we have a team of dedicated counselors ready to help you navigate life’s challenges.

Sarah Schlessman

Licensed Professional Counselor
Supervisor

About Sarah

Sarah Schlessman is the owner of Beautiful Minds Counseling and Wellness. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Louisiana Tech University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (#6416) in the state of Louisiana.

Sarah previously provided services in home and school settings but wanted to create a space where people were able to come and find comfort, outside of their normal day- to-day settings. That is how Beautiful Minds was created.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outside, traveling, eating, laughing, and volunteering. Sarah currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club, as well as enjoys participating in community events.

Sarah is trained in EMDR and Emotionally Focused Therapy. She believes that all behavior makes sense in context and that with proper tools and support everyone is capable of thriving! Thrive: to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way.

We all have a story worth telling, including the harder and messier parts, and Sarah thrives to create a soft landing place to hear it.

Jana Whitman

Licensed Professional Counselor &
Marriage & Family Therapist

About Jana

Jana Whitman is the Clinical Director of Beautiful Minds Counseling and Wellness. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (#7101) at Beautiful Minds Counseling and Wellness. She graduated with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana Monroe. Jana has spent her professional career working with individuals, families, and children on concerns that affect them in their home, school, and community settings.

Jana has professional experience with a wide range of presenting problems from parent-child relationships, marital relationships, anxiety, depression, and stress. Jana is passionate about building a therapeutic alliance with each of her clients to bring healing and long-lasting change while incorporating their physical, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing. Outside of being a therapist, Jana is a wife and mother who enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, baking bread, and taking care of her chickens.

Alexis Brown

Licensed Professional Counselor

About Alexis

Alexis Brown is the Director of Operations at Beautiful Minds. Alexis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (#8083). She graduated with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Mobile in Mobile, AL. Alexis moved to Northeast Louisiana from Mobile, AL in 2019 to enjoy a more rural lifestyle and begin her career as a counselor. She enjoys spending time crafting, tending to her homestead, and being on the water with her family.

Alexis has counseling experience working with individuals, families, and couples in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her primary focus has been trauma, relationship issues, and family dysfunction. In her approach, she utilizes techniques from Gottman Couple Therapy, CBT, EMDR, and Family Systems Theory. Alexis has an interest in furthering her training in trauma and PTSD. She is passionate about working with the inner child of adolescents and adults whose voices are or were unheard during childhood family issues such as divorce, separation, or general family dysfunction.

Stephanie Davis

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

About Stephanie

Stephanie Davis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#15061) at Beautiful Minds Counseling and Wellness. She graduated with a Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. Her work experience includes working with children, teens and adults in a variety of settings including hospital, schools, at-risk interventions in the homes and hospice care. She has supported clients in working through their challenges related to anxiety and depression, relationship and family issues, crisis and trauma work, as well as grief and bereavement related to end of life issues.

She approaches the therapeutic relationship with unconditional positive regard and respect for each person’s unique culture and belief systems. She believes that while we are each a product of the family and life experiences we were born into, we also have the ability and power to change what happens in our lives for the future. Her approach to therapy is a holistic, client-centered focus. She believes that YOU are the author of your story and the expert on how you think and feel. She helps clients find their strengths and the positive aspects of difficult circumstances, then teaches them how to utilize those strengths to influence outcomes.

In her spare time, Stephanie is a fitness instructor and a nature enthusiast who enjoys hiking, biking, and camping with her husband. She is the mother of three amazing young adults and is navigating the bittersweet season of an empty nest.

Henna Patel

Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor

About Henna

Henna Patel is a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (License#: PLPC9405) at Beautiful Minds Counseling and Wellness. She graduated with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling from Mississippi College.

Henna has experience working with individuals, families, children, and couples to provide counseling services in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She has helped her clients with various presenting concerns, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, self-esteem, relationship issues, and family dynamics. Her preferred approaches include Emotionally Focused Therapy, Solution Focus Therapy, Gottman Couple Therapy, and CBT. Henna believes that each therapeutic relationship is unique and strives to understand each client's personal worldview. She is passionate about providing the right tools to help clients develop their own path towards healing and happiness.

When not at Beautiful Minds, Henna enjoys cooking authentic Indian food with her family, watching tv shows, dancing, and traveling with her husband.

Bethany Jordan

Licensed Professional Counselor

About Bethany

Bethany Jordan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (#8210) at Beautiful Minds Counseling and Wellness. She graduated with her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Bethany has worked in the private practice setting for the past 5 years. She has seen a wide variety of clients over her professional career, including children, individuals, couples, and families. The areas of concerns that she is familiar with are: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, marital, abuse, postpartum depression, trauma, self esteem issues, and identity disorders. She desires to help all clients heal from the past, thrive in the present, and be excited for the future. By taking a collaborative standpoint, she works with each client to determine their goals and how to best incorporate their values, morals, and/or beliefs. She identifies most with a Narrative approach to therapy and heavily believes that each person’s story is completely unique to them, therefore their therapy journey should be just as unique. She also specializes in EMDR therapy, which is a trauma based type of therapy that targets specific negative beliefs a client may have about themselves. It is a great tool to help overcome a number of difficulties a client may have.

Outside of being a therapist, Bethany is a wife and mother. Her favorite things to do are spend time with her family or cozy up with a good book or show.

Ashley White

Student Therapist Intern

About Ashley

Ashley White is currently a student intern therapist working towards her Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Louisiana - Monroe. With a genuine desire to make a positive impact, Ashley brings a compassionate and client-centered approach to her sessions. Ashley is committed to providing support and guidance to individuals of all ages and families navigating life's challenges. With a warm and empathetic demeanor, Ashley is here to accompany you on your journey towards healing and growth while you also play a part in her journey to graduation. Her goal is to create a warm, welcoming space where you feel comfortable to share your story.

Outside of her work and schooling, Ashley enjoys having game nights with friends & family, doing puzzles with her sister, and looking for antique bells to add to her collection.

Julia Reed

Student Therapist Intern

About Julia

Julia Reed is a Student Therapist Intern working towards her Masters degree in Marriage & Family Therapy at ULM. Julia attended LA Tech with her Bachelors in Human Development & Family Studies. She is working towards gaining a better understanding in diverse communities and clients of all ages. She strives to facilitate change and growth in each client and understands the importance of an individualistic approach for each client to meet their needs.

In her free time Julia enjoys going on hikes with her dog, Leo, and going to the gym to workout. She also enjoys reading books and watching the Harry Potter series for hours on end.

Grace Rogers

Student Therapist Intern

About Grace

Davially Frans

LMFT, LPC - Telehealth only

About Davially

Davially Frans is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#1480) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (#9317). Originally from the Netherlands Caribbean, she moved to Louisiana in 2016 and earned both her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana Monroe.

Davially has experience working with individuals, couples, and families to help them navigate relational challenges, life transitions, and personal growth. Her professional background includes community mental health, university settings, psychiatric hospitals, and private practice. She specializes in a systemic and intergenerational approach to therapy and is passionate about guiding clients toward healing and self-discovery. Her work is centered on creating a supportive space where clients can explore their emotions, improve communication, and develop healthier relationships.

Davially is EMDR-trained and a certified Christian counselor. She integrates a trauma-informed lens into her practice and is continually expanding her knowledge of trauma to better support her clients. Additionally, she dedicates time to pursuing her doctoral studies in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Outside of therapy, Davially enjoys watching movies, exploring new cultures, cooking, traveling, and engaging in her community. She values balance and self-care and cherishes spending quality time with her family.

Laird Street Location

Our Laird Street location is also staffed by a team of experienced counselors, all committed to supporting you on your wellness journey.

Sarah Schlessman

Licensed Professional Counselor
Supervisor

About Sarah

We all have a story worth telling, including the harder and messier parts, and Sarah thrives to create a soft landing place to hear it.

Alexis Brown

Licensed Professional Counselor

About Alexis

Alyssa "Aly" Taylor

PhD, LPC

About Aly

Deborah Goza

LPC

About Deborah

Deborah is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been practicing counseling for 20+ years. She has experience in working with individuals, families, adults, teens, and children. Her counseling style and methods are a combination of Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness as well as focusing on the strengths of her clients. Deborah has experience in trauma, depression, anxiety, teen and women's issues, marriage, as well as many other issues. She strives to connect with her clients so that they may live their happiest, most fulfilling life possible. She brings much experience, education, and a deep sense of caring for each person she works with.

She is surrounded by her children and grandchildren in this community as well as many friends in the area. She grew up in Rayville, LA, and has lived most of her life here. Having deep roots in an area makes one care so much about the health and abilities of its citizens.

In her own words: "Everyone can take steps to strive for a healthier and happier life, even if it means reaching out for a little assistance. I would be honored for you to allow me to be a part of that help.”

Stephen "Paul" Cogburn

LPC

About Paul

Paul Cogburn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (#1628) at Beautiful Minds Counseling and Wellness. He graduated with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northeast Louisiana University (now University of Louisiana Monroe). Paul has extensive experience in marriage, family and individual counseling.

Paul has professional experience with various life challenges including marital issues, parenting/child problems, anxiety, depression, and trauma. He has a certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and has seventeen years of private practice experience. Paul believes that the relationship between the client and therapist is of primary importance in the therapeutic process and that change occurs best in a supportive, client-centered, accepting environment. Outside of being a therapist, Paul enjoys hiking, playing music and fishing.

Davially Frans

LMFT, LPC - Telehealth only

About Davially

Wellness Services

At Beautiful Minds, we believe in treating the whole person. Our wellness team is here to help you achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle, with services to support both your mental and physical health.

Diane Privitor Davis

APRN, FNPC, PMHNPBC

About Diane

Beautiful Minds Counseling and Wellness is elated to be partnering with Diane Davis!

Diane has been a nurse since 1982 and has been serving the community as a Nurse Practitioner since 2006. She is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Diane has practiced as a nurse for over 38 years in the areas of Adult Medical Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Nurse Manager, Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse practitioner.

Diane will be serving our clients in house providing services for multiple complex mental health issues including but not limited to:

Bipolar Disorder
ADHD
Severe Depression
Difficult to treat Depression
Severe Anxiety
PTSD
OCD
Binge eating disorders
Multiple depression medication failures
Psychosis

Christie Martin

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

& Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist

About Christie

Christie is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and a Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN). She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from Louisiana State University, and completed her Dietetic Internship and Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Louisiana Tech University. Christie is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Louisiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Christie is an instructor at Southeastern Louisiana University in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. She has experience as an outpatient RDN, counseling those with gestational diabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other conditions. She’s worked with Mary Bird Perkins through one of their grants, which allowed her to educate individuals in the community about healthy eating and cancer prevention. Christie has a certificate in Adult Weight Management through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

In her free time, Christie enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and two young boys.

We are committed to providing comprehensive care in an environment that nurtures your well-being. We are here for you every step of the way.

Our Facility

Need someone to talk to?

Contact our office and tell us about your situation. We are always here to help.

3808 Cypress Street, West Monroe, LA, 71291

320 Laird Street, West Monroe, LA 71291

(318) 350-6030 | [email protected]