Christy Romero
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional
EMDR Trained
Life is too precious to be bound by worry, fear, or panic. It can feel overwhelming and lonely. You may not know where to start but you are in the right place. I can help you find a path forward.
I have over 18 years experience in the field of mental health and dedicated the last 16 years to counseling adolescents through a wide range of difficulties. More recently, I am supporting those affected by trauma through the process of healing. Being a part of this transformation is exciting and fulfilling. I am committed to using evidence based approaches to help you achieve emotional stability and freedom from whatever has you "stuck."
"My mission is to support
you through your journey of healing to experience a more fulfilling life."
Trauma Treatment
We experience trauma when our emotional response to an event overwhelms our ability to cope with the situation. This often results in intense fear and helplessness, leaving you feeling vulnerable and unsafe. Since your system was unable to process the event at the time, you may feel stuck in the experience, reliving it over and over. This is your body's way of communicating that something is wrong. I can help you process the traumatic event and begin healing. I understand that thinking about the trauma is scary and evokes emotions can flood the system. By using a gentle approach and regulation techniques, we can assist your nervous system in staying in a state of calm through coregulation, grounding, mindfulness, and somatic interventions. I have training and experience in treating PTSD, Complex PTSD, and dissociative disorders through EMDR, IFS, Flash, and other techniques.
Anxiety Treatment Specialist
If anxiety is keeping you from the things that you want out of life, I can help you change that. We can teach your brain to respond differently to whatever is triggering the anxiety. You may be thinking "If I could change the way I think, I would have done it already" but you need the right tools and environment to change thinking patterns.
Our brains are capable of growth regardless of age or time spent in a pattern of thinking. Together, we will build a trusting relationship in which you can feel comfortable to explore your current situation. It is within this therapeutic relationship that growth can occur. I will teach you interventions that have an immediate calming effect on the body. We will also work on incorporating activities that can create a buffer between you and the anxiety and, ultimately, we will teach the brain a new response to triggers.
Anxiety comes in many forms: excessive worry, panic, social anxiety, phobias, obsessive thoughts and compulsions. The good news is all types of anxiety respond well to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Anxiety is overwhelming and too big to conquer alone but with the support of a caring therapist that specializes in anxiety (that's me!), you can do it!
Treating Adolescents
“Is this normal?” This question comes up in almost every initial meeting with a parent. As parents, we want to know when to be concerned about our child’s behavior. It can be difficult to know if mood fluctuations and emotional outbursts are just teenage drama or a sign that something is else is going on.
Being a high school counselor since 2007, has given me the opportunity to observe and interact with students in their everyday life, gaining insight into their world. Every teen has a unique personality that shapes how they interact with others. Typical adolescent behavior varies widely depending on individual interests, strengths, and confidence. A good rule is if thoughts, behaviors, or feelings are interfering with your child’s daily life or important relationships, then it is time to seek professional help.
My Approach
I am committed to hearing your unique story, perspective, and difficulties. The human experience is not easy and we all need help at times in our life. Counseling is a wonderful tool to help in these times. During our initial sessions, we will collaborate to identify goals that are specific to your vision for an improved life. This enables us to develop an authentic, trusting relationship in which change and growth can occur. I am in this with you!
I approach therapy primarily from a humanistic approach, which is person centered and focuses on helping you get in touch with the Self. We will work to understand your strengths, values, how you experience joy. I use Polyvagal theory and Attachment theory to guide the therapeutic process. When choosing an approach or techniques, I consider your history, current situation, concerns, and goals. I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), mindfulness, embodiment and somatic work.
I am passionate about my work which leads me to consistent engagement in learning. Even after many years in counseling, I remain open and curious about new research, techniques, and approaches. I am on a lifelong path of growth and improvement.
About Me
I'm a wife and mother of five amazing and wildly different children, from 1 to 24 years old (yes, you read that correctly). I am known to loose myself in an audiobook while cooking or folding laundry. If I'm watching tv, I am probably also crocheting. My self-care comes in the form of an evening bike ride or baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies.
While education and experience in this field provide me with the knowledge and tools to help others, being in the trenches with my family for more than 20 years allows me to connect with each person that walks into my office.
Contact Me
You have already begun your journey toward wellness. You are here, reading this, which means you are intentionally taking steps toward an improved life. I would love to journey with you. Let's start the conversation by contacting me today!
Christy Romero, LPC, NCC
218 Rue Louis XIV Ste E
Lafayette, LA 70508
337-385-9430