Finding Common Ground during Times of Conflict
Using Mental Health Counseling, Mediations, and Evaluations
Specializing in Trauma Therapy
OUR TEAM
We Get the Job Done Right
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TARA L. WHITNEY, MA, LPC, NCC
Founder, Therapist, Family Mediator, Child Custody Evaluator, Parent Coordinator
Tara is a 2019 Nicholls Graduate with a Master's of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Tara is a 16-year Law Enforcement Officer and is trained and active in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD), Crisis Prevention (CPI), and Crisis Intervention (CIT). In addition, Tara is available for Child Custody Evaluation and Family Mediation. She is in the process of completing Parenting Coordination training. Tara's belief is that dealing with issues immediately and with assistance lessens the impact of trauma. She addresses mental health in a scientific manner with a legal lens.
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SKYLER PAPA, MA, PLPC
Therapist
Skyler was born and raised in Thibodaux, LA. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nicholls State University and is currently working as a PLPC, under the supervision of Daphnie Vilcan-Tanner, MA, LPC-S, NCC. Skyler practices a Reality Therapy/Choice Theory, utilizing solution-focused interventions while also practicing EMDR therapy. Helping guide others through their individual journeys to enhancing their mental health is her passion. She humbly looks forward to meeting any and all new clients while prioritizing your mental health goals.
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DAPHNIE VILCAN- TANNER, MA, LPC-S, NCC
Therapist, LPC-Supervisor
Daphnie is a 2013 graduate of Nicholls State University with a Master's of Arts and Psychological Counseling. She has continued her education and is currently in her dissertation process at University of New Orleans for PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. She is expected to complete this program by December 2023. Daphnie is a trained EMDR therapist and a LPC-Supervisor. She is a tribal member of the Chitamacha tribe of Louisiana where she provides psychotherapy to tribal members and their families.
DR. JESSICA (FANGUY) CORTEZ, LPC-S, LMFT
Therapist, LPC-Supervisor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Parent Coordinator, and Child Custody Evaluator
Dr. Cortez earned a Master of Education from Nicholls State University in 2000. She also earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in 2009 from the University of New Orleans. Dr. Cortez has been a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2006. She is also a LPC Supervisor with the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners since 2006. Dr. Cortez has worked as a school counselor and has worked in private practice to provide mental health services to individuals, couples and families. She worked at Nicholls State University as an Associate Professor and the Director of Graduate Studies. In 2010, Dr. Cortez began to accept cases and completed custody evaluations for the courts in Terrebonne, Lafourche, Ascension and Assumption parishes. In 2019, she completed training as a Parenting Coordinator. In 2018, Dr. Cortez was appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to serve on the Louisiana Licensed Professional Board of Examiners for a 2 year term. Dr. Cortez specializes in couples counseling, parenting coordination and individual counseling for adults and adolescents.
AMANDA BARRAS LAPEYROUSE, MA, LPC, NCC, NCTTP
Therapist
Amanda is a 2010 graduate of Nicholls State University with a Master of Arts Degree in Psychological Counseling. She lives in Houma, married to Zachary and mother of three children. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with specialized training in EMDR and Functional Family Therapy. Her therapy approach combines person centered cognitive behavioral therapy with an emotional and solution focus. Amanda does not limit clients with one particular therapy style given that each client is unique. Amanda looks forward to connecting with a variety of clients and serving them according to their specific needs and concerns. Amanda is ready to work with you on the journey to healing.
Photo credits: Laura Guise