Anita Pool, Ph.D., LPC

Hi, I’m Dr. Anita Pool and I am a licensed professional counselor! My primary areas of focus include young children and women. I specialize in working with children ages three through 10 experiencing behavioral, social, and emotional difficulties, as well as issues such as family-related challenges, grief, and anxiety. I am a firm believer in early intervention and understand the importance of empowering young people with the necessary tools to be successful. I love little people and have worked with them for over 18 years!

In addition to working with children, I also enjoy counseling women who are dealing with women’s-related issues, such as life transitions, parenting, and other circumstances that impact women’s emotional and mental health. I know that being a wife, mother, and grandmother, along with our many other roles can be difficult at times!

Whether working with children or adults, I practice from a person-centered approach, which relies heavily on the relationship between the client and counselor. As such, I see the counseling relationship as a critical element for change and work to create a warm, safe, and welcoming environment for my clients. I am view counseling from through a trauma-informed lens since so many individuals have been affected by trauma or adverse experiences.

With children and adults, I utilize various techniques and interventions, including solution-focused, CBT, and mindfulness-based techniques. I also incorporate play-based, expressive, and creative interventions specific to young children’s developmental needs. I enjoy providing a safe space for children (and adults!) to explore their feelings and gain the tools they need to be successful at home, school, and in the community. I work with clients primarily through individual counseling; however, I occasionally have sessions that include other family members when necessary. I also offer individual parent sessions and school consultations for child clients as needed.

In my spare time, I enjoy family gatherings with my five children and six grandchildren, spending quality time with friends, and traveling when I am able!

Associations

• American Counseling Association
• American School Counseling Association
• Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
• Louisiana Counseling Association

Licenses/Certifications

LPC – Louisiana

National Board-Certified Counselor

National Board-Certified School Counselor”