Home
Counseling and Professional Services
Our Team
About

High-Quality Counseling Services

Meet Our Seasoned Professional Therapists

Healing is possible when you have the right people to support you. Here at The Refuge 18-2, our professional therapists are trained in multiple evidence-based therapy models. We provide counseling based on sliding scale fee rates. We also offer training for counseling interns, professionals as well as churches, community organizations, and schools in Metairie, LA. Meet our hardworking team of professional therapists, and allow us to provide you with the individual and family therapy you need.

Column

Michele Louviere, LMFT, LLC

Michele Louviere is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of counseling experience. She has a Masters of Divinity in Psychology and Counseling degree and one year of doctoral work from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Louisiana State University. After completing her internship as a counselor at Celebration Church in Metairie, LA, Michele moved to Portland, Oregon, where she was first licensed as a LMFT and practiced for eight years.

When Hurricane Katrina occurred, Michele returned to New Orleans to work with Celebration Church to establish a ministry to help the community heal from the traumatic devastation from the storm. For 12 years, Michele served as the Clinical Director at Celebration Hope Center (CHC) in Metairie, LA. CHC developed into a vibrant faith-based, professional community center serving people through its prevention, addiction, and mental health programs. Beyond providing therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, CHC also became a training facility for master level and professional counselors.

Michele has extensive training in specialized evidence-based trauma recovery models for children, adolescents, and adults. She primarily provides counseling for adults who have been traumatized in various life stages. She uses Story-Informed Trauma Counseling and other trauma models, such as Eye-Movement De-sensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACTS), and Sand Tray Therapy to help adults heal from life trauma. She also works with couples to help heal their relational attachment wounds, creating safe and intimate connections using Emotionally Focused Therapy, which is the most effective evidence-based therapy model for relational healing. Michele is a Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor.

In the last eight years, Michele has provided training and consultation in her community, as well as in England, Israel, Alabama (tornadoes), Missouri (police violence), and New York (Hurricane Sandy). In 2016, Michele and her staff helped the greater Baton Rouge community recover, following the police violence and the 1000-year flood that destroyed thousands of homes and left behind a tsunami of emotional and spiritual damage. In March 2018, Michele joined the Refuge 18-2 team, that focuses specifically on adult trauma recovery.

For many years, Michele has served on the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) Board for Grief, Crisis, and Disaster. She now works with AACC to help with their Project SUSTAIN, which is a roadmap for helping heal communities impacted by man-made or natural disasters. Project SUSTAIN has been launched in Las Vegas (mass shooting), Texas (Harvey), ,California (fires) and Puerto Rico (Maria) to help with both short-term and long-term recovery. Project SUSTAIN has been utilized to help churches and communities impacted by the Covid-10 pandemic.

She has been married to Jim Louviere, a pastor and hospice chaplain, for 30 years and has two amazing children.

If you would like to contact Michele for counseling, training, supervision, or Project Sustain, then please email her at

Michele@refuge182.com.

Column

Carissa Mitchell

Carissa is a Licensed Addictions Counselor and a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor. She is under the supervision of Michelle Dugas, LPC at The Refuge 18-2. She has completed her Master’s in Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans as well as a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Rehabilitation Services (2003).

Carissa started working in substance abuse in 2008 and returned to school in 2015 to be able to address all clients' needs related to mood, trauma or addiction. She loves attending to the needs of traumatized individuals and couples spending the last 4 years primarily working with trauma related issues utilizing the models above.

She works to provide a safe, warm, judgment free environment for processing difficult issues. It takes great courage to take the step for counseling and she counts it as a privilege to be able to be a part of the journey.

She has served as the Addiction Coordinator at Celebration Hope Center (outpatient treatment) and has been a Addiction Counselor since 2011 through the ADRA. She has extensive experience working with individuals, groups, and families, specifically in addressing addiction, anxiety , depression, grief, trauma and relationships concerns. She has been trained in many substance abuse models (Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Brief Intervention, and CBT) as well as other models that provide an integrated approach to trauma, substance abuse and emotion related issues (Story-Informed Trauma Therapy, Seeking Safety, ACT and EFT). She is trained and experienced in EMDR.

Carissa was born and raised in NOLA. She and her husband continue to raise their three children (one now an adult) in this city they have always called home.

If you would like to contact Carissa for counseling, email her at Carissa@refuge182.com.

Column

Tiffany Morgan

Tiffany is a Provisional Licensed Counselor (PLPC) and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). As a PLPC she receives supervision from Michelle Dugas LPC-S. Tiffany holds a Masters of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Story-Informed Trauma Therapy.

Tiffany has experience working with individuals, couples and families presenting with anxiety, depression, physical/sexual abuse, trauma, relationship issues and/or life transitions. She worked for nine years at the Celebration Hope Center, building a unique counseling internship program, and had the honor of serving as the Mental Health Coordinator.

She is married to Michael who is kitchen and bath cabinet business owner, and she has two children, Olivia and Charlie. Tiffany spends most her days as a stay at home, and is truly blessed to work part-time counseling at The Refuge 18-2.

Tiffany counsels using an approach that is client-centered, emotionally focused, and grounded in structural therapy. She desires to build a therapeutic relationship that allows the client(s) to reach therapeutic goals and obtain healthy and meaningful life. She considers it an honor to walk alongside those in their journey to healing.

If you would like to contact Tiffany for counseling, email her at

Tiffany@refuge.com.

Column

Chris Shields

Chris is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) and a member of ACA. She completed her Masters in Counseling program developed by Dr. John Townsend at Concordia University. As a ‘seasoned’ adult, she has weathered her own life storms which enables her to provide clients with a sense of peace and hope in the midst their struggles.

Chris acknowledges the courage it takes to seek counseling in pursuit of personal healing and growth. Knowing that these first few steps can feel awkward and a bit scary, Chris prioritizes safety and acceptance for her clients so they will soon experience that they ‘are not alone.’ Chris believes that most of us are unprepared to face life’s challenges which leave many people feeling overwhelmed and stuck… unsure of knowing which way to turn. She considers it a privilege to walk through life’s storms with her clients as we find a path to healing and transformation together.

Evidence-based research shows that we, as humans, are neurobiologically wired for connection yet many of us have been wounded in ways that make it difficult to connect with others on a ‘real’ level. These wounds from our past are often still negatively impacting our present relationships and lives. Connections help all of us to be more resilient when dealing with anxiety, depression and loss. Chris has been trained in cutting edge models that focus on developing and building deeper connections with yourself and others.

Chris work with adults facing a variety of struggles including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, traumas, and church wounds. She also works with couples and families overcome relational disconnection, to rebuild and strengthen their attachment bonds, and to be more open and responsive with one another. By utilizing the highly effective method of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Chris helps couples to identify and break free from the negative thoughts and interaction patterns, and strengthen their relationships. Chris is also trained in Story- Informed Trauma Therapy (SITT) to guide her client healing in healing from the trauma from their own stories.

Chris also facilitates intensive process groups in churches and organizations to help foster emotional and spiritual healing and growth. These groups foster building empathy and deeper connections which are foundational in the healing process. She is very passionate about creating safe groups in which people can “do life together.”

Outside of the office, Chris enjoys cooking, photography, and the ‘Bayou Life’ by spending time in nature with family and friends.

If you would like to contact Chris for counseling, email her at Chris@refuge182.com.

Column

DeAron Washington

DeAron is a Provisionally Licensed Counselor. He is currently working on his Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. DeAron completed his Master’s in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Delta State University.

He has experience working with individuals, couples, and groups. He has counseled in inpatient and outpatient settings. He has training in Prepare-Enrich, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trust Based Relational Intervention, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

He has experience with depression, anxiety, relational issues, spiritual issues, and cultural issues.

DeAron has been married for several years and has two daughters.

If you would like to contact DeAron for counseling, email him at

Dearon@refuge182.com.

Column

Han Dinh

Han a is Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) working towards becoming a fully licensed professional counselor (LPC). She had earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Holy Cross in 2017. She is also a National Board Certified Counselor.

Since 2015, Han has had the following clinical experience as an intern at Jefferson Parish Public High School ESL working with adolescents and their family; counseled individuals, adolescents, and couples at Catholic Counseling Services; counseled trauma survivors at STAR, and seen residents at Woldenberg Village – Nursing Home. As a PLPC, she volunteered at Catholic Counseling Services and has worked at several private practices around the greater New Orleans Metro area. In 2018, Han worked at River Place Behavioral Health Hospital conducting group therapy and assessments for individuals facing various mental health issues. The hospital was an intensive inpatient facility to assist individuals with bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety, suicidality, and any mental breakdowns that pose a threat to self or others.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Han is familiar with the “Nawlin’ culture” and the resiliency the city has shown through her lifetime. She was raised by immigrant parents and understands the cultural and boundary issues that 1st and 2nd generation Americans could face. Han is also bilingual in Vietnamese-English.

She works with adolescents, individuals, groups, couples, and families dealing with depression, anxiety, marital issues, mistrust, addiction, grief, and trauma. Her main approach to counseling has been eclectic, including: Rational Psychology, Rogerian, experiential, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). She is currently expanding her counseling skills by studying Story-Informed Trauma Therapy.

If you would like to contact Han for counseling, email her at

Han@refuge182.com.

Column

Morgan "Livy" Reeves

Livy is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor working towards her LPC. She finished her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Before moving to New Orleans, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

Between earning her Bachelors and Masters, Livy completed a yearlong internship abroad focusing on repatriating and caring for survivors of sexual trafficking and exploitation. This experience initiated a lifelong passion to empower and facilitate healing for survivors of abuse and trauma.

Another passion she strives for is to make counseling available to neurodiverse (ADHD, Autism, etc.) clients and their families and welcomes clients of all backgrounds and sensory needs to find a safe place to process and heal here at Refuge 18-2.

Livy has experience working with individuals, children, and groups dealing with anxiety, depression, life transition difficulties, spiritual issues, and trauma. Her counseling methods are informed by models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and Story-Informed Trauma Therapy.

Livy is a Louisiana native married to Alex, who is also a counselor. Together they have one daughter, Emmy, and one giant Great Dane mix, Clive.

If you would like to contact Livy for counseling, email her at Livy@refuge182.com.

Column

Marlea Louviere

Marlea is currently working on her Master’s in Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, and she is interning at The Refuge 18-2. In 2019, Marlea completed one year of graduate studies at Loyola University, focusing on child and family therapy. She loves working with children, adolescents, and families who have experienced trauma, loss, and/or other transitional hardships. She believes it is an honor to be invited into another individual's story. She has a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies from Louisiana State University (2018).

She has served as a Crisis Counselor at the Baton Rouge Crisis Counseling Center for 3 years, where she aided individuals across the lifespan facing various struggles such as suicide, depression, anxiety, trauma, and social service needs. She interned at the Baton Rouge Children's Advocacy Center and an anti-trafficking initiative out of the UK, Operation Open Eyes. Marlea worked at Children's Hospital within the behavioral health unit in 2019. She then worked at Loyola University as an Advisor and Success Coach for undergraduate students. She has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, specifically in addressing trauma and life issues. She has received training in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Child-Parent Relational Therapy, Story-Informed Trauma Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy, and she utilizes models such as Trauma-Focused CBT and Seeking Safety.

She is learning and gaining experience using Story-Informed Trauma Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and is currently receiving training in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI).

If you would like to contact Marlea for counseling, email her at

Marlea@refuge182.com.

Column

Michelle Dugas

Michelle Dugas is a licensed professional counselor-supervisor (LA #4457). Michelle completed her Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She completed her bachelor of science degree in engineering from Louisiana Tech University. She has also completed two years of doctoral work in marriage and family counseling at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

After graduation, Michelle began her full-time practice at Celebration Hope Center in Metairie, LA, where she had completed her internship. Trauma and addiction soon became her specializations after counseling individuals and families who had suffered through the trauma of Hurricane Katrina. A traumatic event such as Katrina often brings out the hurt, pain, and abuse in a survivor’s past that have been hidden for many years. Working with clients struggling with the effects of trauma and life’s difficulties has become her passion as she walks with them through therapy to a point of healing and growth.

Michelle also works with clients struggling with substance abuse, marriage difficulties, parent/child issues, anger management, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. In addition, she is proactive in therapy with pre-marital counseling, marriage enrichment, and abuse prevention education.

Michelle has been counseling since 2006 in different settings with both inpatient and outpatient clients. She has been a speaker and teacher at the college level and volunteered at the Pine Hills Child Advocacy Center to educate teens and parents about sexual abuse and domestic violence prevention. She has actively been involved in facilitating groups on topics such as marriage enrichment, pre-marital counseling, grief and loss, trauma, and addiction.

Michelle is currently supervising counselor interns and counseling individuals with traumatic pasts as well as those suffering from depression and anxiety.

If you would like to contact Michelle for telehealth counseling or PLPC supervision, please email her at mdugas8387@gmail.com.

Couple During Therapy Session

Talk to Our Professional Therapists

Counselors do not always have openings for new clients. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our counselors, please complete the Counseling Interest Form found under the counseling and professional services page. Our counseling agency is open from Mondays through Saturdays to accommodate you. Go to our About page to find out a deeper understanding of The Refuge 18-2.