Travis Pollard, LPC

Biblical Worldview:

My understanding of the world, relationships, individuals, and how change comes about is rooted in what the Bible reveals to us. There are multitudes of theories, techniques, and treatments that are available to be utilized in counseling, shaped by a biblical worldview. I view what is backed by science, proven effective in practice, and accessible through my training all through the lens of biblical truth. Therefore, I offer a unique integrated approach to counseling that utilizes Scripture in the process of change, fully believing that our only hope for healing, restoration, and wholeness is through our relationship with God.

Holistic Approach:

I was once told that everyone makes sense in their context. My view of counseling puts a significant emphasis on each person as a whole. In light of what the Bible says about us being made in God’s image, I do not believe humans to be defined by their parts, but rather their whole beings. I believe that change comes about and wellness is achieved when we seek health in each aspect of our lives. I tend to take into account a person’s history, family of origin, physical health, lifestyle, spirituality, current circumstances, and overall understanding while working with them to achieve the goals they set. 

Trauma Informed Care

I provide counseling for men, women, and teenagers that have endured abuse, neglect, or other various experiences of trauma. I have advanced training that has empowered me to work directly with the trauma that many have endured in order to recover from the lasting effects it can have. My goal is to see clients find healing in their whole person, including their physical bodies, as they work through some of the hardest things they have endured.

EMDR

As an EMDR Certified Therapist by EMDRIA the modality of treatment I utilize most is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I use EMDR to treat just about any presenting problem you may be experiencing in your life in order to help you decrease problematic emotional responses and find access to adaptive information in even your most troubling experiences. I offer EMDR in regular, weekly counseling sessions that are tailored to your specific needs. 

EMDR Intensives

I also practice EMDR in intensives where we have longer sessions (3+ hours) in order to make concentrated progress in a potentially shorter amount of time. Many clients seek intensives due to time constraints and lifestyles that benefit from doing more work in fewer sessions. As your counselor, I can help you navigate using EMDR for your needs and therapeutic goals. 

I am also trained in Story Informed Trauma Therapy (SITT), using this as the framework for how we structure therapy. I utilize various somatic interventions, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

I have experience working with:

Adults and adolescents 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Victims of childhood trauma

Complex grief  

First responders 

Medical providers 

Sexual issues 

Dissociation 

Attachment issues 

Somatic symptoms and chronic pain

Groups

I deeply desire to be a source of empowerment as the Lord allows you to experience change. My passion is for those that do not have a sense of belongingness, have endured pain and suffering, and need a little bit of advocacy to become their healthiest self. Change is scary and can be much more difficult than one might expect, but do not fear, you are not alone in your endeavor.

I care deeply about the local church, our pastors, and their families. I earnestly want to help bridge the gap between mental health care and soul care provided by the church. I understand the weight of compassion fatigue from constantly pouring out for the sake of others, I know that our pastors feel the same way. I desire to provide tools, resources, and care for our pastors and their families so that we might see growth in wellness in our churches overall. In addition to individual therapy, I offer processing groups for church staff to healthily discuss and process their difficult experiences in ministry, psychoeducational groups for congregations and the community, and personal care for pastors to increase wellness in their personal and family lives.

I practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) by the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners. I am also an EMDR Certified Therapist by the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA). I am a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where I earned a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I moved to New Orleans in 2019 after finishing my Bachelor’s degrees at Mississippi College where I studied Christian Ministry and Psychology. I also practice as an Inpatient Therapist at a psychiatric hospital, where I assess and treat a wide variety of severe mental health concerns, seeking to serve our community. 

God has led me to where I am through years of mission work, serving various people groups across the world. I became fascinated with counseling after seeing brokenness and need in areas of the world like Cambodia, the Czech Republic, and Greece where I served marginalized people. I came home to the States every time discerning that not enough people listen to the cries of those who suffer. God has commissioned me with the privilege of meeting people where they are and empowering them to get where they want to be. When I am not working, I enjoy camping and hiking outdoors, running, teaching students, throwing pottery, and serving my church.