Downtown Lake Charles
The SOULSHINE Team is made up of incredibly gifted, deeply empathic counselors who are committed to walking alongside you on your healing and personal growth journey. Each provider has their own style and vibe, with different specialty areas to fit your counseling needs.
Our Team:
Victoria Ellender
MEd, PLPC
"Hi, I’m Victoria, a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC), in Southwest Louisiana. I work with individuals, couples, and families to navigate life’s complexities with purpose and authenticity. A firm believer that each person’s journey is unique, I help my clients find their own version of healing and peace.
Therapeutic Approach:
My focus areas include grief and trauma, relationship issues, spiritual and personal growth, and issues pertaining to the workplace (career goals, work/life balance). I offer a customized approach that supports my client’s individual goals through a blend of narrative and person-centered therapeutic techniques.
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My Story:
Born and raised in Sulphur, I earned a B.A. from McNeese State University and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University. My early career began in journalism as a news reporter and freelance writer. For about 15 years, I worked in the manufacturing industry as a communications specialist and public relations advisor, where I developed a deep respect and appreciation for both our local workforce and the communities of Southwest Louisiana.
From an early age, I have been fascinated by the uniqueness of people— the experiences that shape us, the profound ways we can change yet remain the same, the individuality of each person’s voice— the essence of who we are. I believe that so much of our suffering occurs when we do not feel safe to be ourselves. I love therapy because it can provide a safe space to explore who you are and to discover tools that empower you to live your most authentic life.
Your Story:
Have you found yourself on a path less traveled? Maybe you have felt isolated in your circumstances, experience, or beliefs? You are not alone. Although my clients come from vastly different walks of life, they tend to have one thing in common—a desire to heal, grow, and nurture their true, most authentic selves. If you want to create alignment between your values, needs, and life experiences, I would be honored to support your journey."
Hillary Henning
MS, PLPC, NCC
"As a mental health counselor, I strive to create an accepting, non-judgmental environment for those seeking help and understanding for the struggles that life brings. My goal is to create a space where you can feel seen, supported, and empowered to work toward healing and growth.
I graduated from Louisiana State University with my bachelor’s degree and went on to earn my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Methodist University. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Part 1 and 2, as well as Sand Tray Therapy, which I integrate into my work to help clients explore and process their experiences in ways that promote healing and insight.
I am passionate about walking alongside individuals navigating challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, identity issues, and life transitions. Together, we’ll focus on understanding your story, reconnecting with yourself, and moving toward a more balanced and fulfilling life."
Katelyn "Kate" Guillory
MA, LPC
"Hi everyone, my name is Kate.
I’m originally from Denham Springs but relocated to Lake Charles in 2016. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my animals, family, and friends, discovering new restaurants, and listening to live music.
I have been working in the mental health field for over four years across a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient programs, private practice, community based services, in home therapy, and rehabilitation environments. These diverse experiences have shaped a holistic and flexible approach to supporting clients from all walks of life.
I focus on working with young adult to mid adult clients who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, depression, self-doubt, or relational conflict. Often, these patterns are connected to deeper attachment wounds and unmet emotional needs. My therapeutic style is warm, relational, and trauma informed, emphasizing safety, self-awareness, and emotional connection.
I draw from approaches such as attachment theory, parts work, and mindfulness based interventions to help clients strengthen self trust, establish healthy boundaries, and create more secure and authentic relationships with themselves and others.
I am passionate about helping individuals reconnect with their inner selves, heal from past relational pain, and move toward greater confidence, emotional balance, and authenticity. My goal is to create a compassionate and collaborative space where meaningful growth can take root."
Lauren Henry
MS, PLPC, NCC, CCTP-I
"My name is Lauren, and I am a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) passionate about helping adults and young adults navigate life’s challenges and rediscover a sense of regulation, authenticity and control. It is a privilege to sit with you in the moments that feel uncomfortable or uncertain, and that is why I am dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate space where your experiences can be explored with understanding and care. My approach integrates EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, parts work, and Sandtray Therapy to help clients process painful experiences, reconnect with themselves and others, and build lasting emotional resilience. My areas of focus include trauma, stress and burnout, anxiety and depression, attachment wounds and self-esteem, codependency and relationship issues, and grief.
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I hold a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Certified Complex Trauma Professional – Level I (CCTP-I). I have also completed EMDR training, Parts 1 and 2.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not sure where to start, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery."