About Us
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About Alexandria Counseling LLC
Find Hope. Embrace Healing. Build the Life You Deserve.
Our Story
Alexandria Counseling LLC was founded in 2017 by Shirley Ryland, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with decades of experience serving the Central Louisiana community. Shirley earned her Master’s in Social Work from Louisiana State University in 1982 and began her career at Central Louisiana State Hospital, working with mental health patients. She later provided treatment to individuals struggling with chemical dependency — and support to their families — at Rapides Chemical Dependency Services.
In 1990, Shirley transitioned into full-time private practice in Alexandria. After years of building her clinical skills and serving the community, she founded Alexandria Counseling LLC in 2017 with a clear mission: to support and develop highly trained clinicians who offer therapeutic services to individuals and families, in a warm, welcoming, and inviting environment — for both clients and clinicians alike.
Our Approach to Healing
At Alexandria Counseling, we believe that difficulty can be transformative. Like the mighty oak, adversity can bring tremendous growth. We are here to accompany you on your journey.
By acknowledging your past, you can realize who you are by accepting who you’ve been. By learning to live in the present, you can become grounded in each moment and experience life to the fullest extent. And by looking forward to the future, you can build the life you’ve always dreamed of — taking control of your own destiny.
No matter what you’re facing, you deserve support that meets you where you are. Our team of licensed therapists offers a wide range of services designed to help you heal, grow, and thrive — whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, addiction, or simply searching for a clearer path forward.
What We Offer
Our therapists are trained in a broad range of evidence-based approaches and specialty areas, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Counseling for Anxiety
Counseling for Trauma
Addiction Counseling and Relapse Prevention
Counseling for Friends & Family of Those Affected by Addiction
Depression Counseling
Couples Therapy
Grief Counseling
Child & Play Therapy
Expressive Arts Therapy
Faith-Based Counseling
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for Trauma
Telehealth Counseling
We serve individuals, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. All of our therapists provide both in-person and online counseling options.
Our Team
Alexandria Counseling is home to a team of licensed therapists, including Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Addiction Counselors (LACs), and Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (PLPCs). Every clinician on our team shares a commitment to excellent clinical care and to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for every client we serve.
Meet our full team →
Visit Us
We are located at 3636 Government Street, Alexandria, LA 71302. You can reach us by phone at (318) 704-6157 or by email at alexandriacounseling@gmail.com. Telehealth appointments are also available for those who prefer to meet from home.
Ready to Get Started?
Taking the first step is often the hardest part. We’re here to make it a little easier.
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