Danielle C. Ellis MA, MCJ, LPC, NCC

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Educational Background and Certifications

Dani’s extensive academic achievements include:

• Bachelor’s in Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans

• Master’s in Professional Counseling Psychology (MA) from Argosy University Atlanta

• Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration (MCJ) from Loyola University New Orleans

• She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas and a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

• Dani also holds certification through the International Critical Incident and Stress Management Foundation (ICISM) to provide Critical Incident Debriefings (CID).

• Her therapeutic approach integrates person-centered care, mindfulness-based therapies, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

• Dani is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & reprocessing (EMDR) from ScalingUp an EMDRIA and NBCC certified and approved EMDR CE provider.

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Professional Experience

Dani’s career reflects a diverse and dynamic journey across various facets of mental health care.

• Practicum Training: She began her counseling practicum at the Tau Center at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she gained hands-on experience with intake assessments, referrals, and mental health placement.

• Early Career Roles: Dani worked in partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for mental health and substance abuse. She also provided case management for individuals with developmental disabilities, chronic medical conditions, and mental health challenges.

• Crisis and Trauma Services: At Covenant House Houston, Dani offered counseling to homeless youth, expectant mothers, and postpartum mothers. Her work with DebLin Health Concepts included in-home services for seriously mentally ill clients of all ages. She also conducted kinship home assessments for Children’s Protective Services (CPS).

• Corporate and Managed Care: At UnitedHealthcare/United Behavioral Health, Dani provided case management for inpatient and intermediate care settings, addressing mental health, substance abuse, and eating disorders.

• Private Practice: For approximately 15 years, Dani has provided outpatient therapy through Wellness Solutions, offering both in-person and telehealth sessions exclusively for Texas clients.

• Continuing Education & Professional Development: Dani provides CE for licensed mental health professionals with her website www.MyCeSolution.com where she shares her love of education, lifelong learning, and professional experience with other professionals.  

 

Areas of Expertise

Dani specializes in individual counseling for adults aged 18 and older. Her areas of focus include:

• Mental health challenges (mild, moderate, or severe)

• Substance abuse and chemical dependency

• Eating disorders and self-injurious behaviors

• Trauma recovery and stress management

• Anxiety and healthy relationship skills

• Healing from narcissistic abuse and abusive relationships

• Recovery from dysfunctional families

• Grief & bereavement

• Suicide recovery (Recovery when a loved one who has committed suicide)

• Codependency & boundary setting

• Going "no contact" with abusive friends, family, & relatives

• Negative or Adverse Experiences, PTSD, & C-PTSD

• ADD/ADHD, Autism, & Neurodiversity Coaching

• Adjustment Disorders, Stress-Related Disorders, & Work Life Balance

• She also leads seminars on mindfulness skills, boundary setting, and recognizing red flags of predatory behaviors.

 

Therapeutic Philosophy and Style

Dani embraces an eclectic therapeutic approach grounded in client-centered values. Her sessions are a blend of compassion, directness, and a reality-based grounded and pragmatic perspective. She encourages clients to take personal responsibility and develop practical strategies for growth and healing. She balances kindness, compassion, and empathy with wit, direct feedback, and humor. 

 

Dani’s style is:

• Transparent & Candid: She believes in honest dialogue that fosters trust and connection.

• Polite & Direct: Dani gently challenges clients to confront obstacles while providing unwavering support.

• Humorous & Relatable: She uses humor and wit to create a welcoming, positive atmosphere.

• Genuine & Authentic: She believes in the healing value of unconditional positive regard, congruence, egalitarianism, autonomy, and equality in a counseling session. 

 

By combining mindfulness techniques with evidence-based practices, Dani helps clients build coping skills, gain insight, and actively work toward their goals.

 

A Compassionate Guide

Dani understands that therapy can be daunting, and she deeply respects the courage it takes to seek help. She views the therapeutic relationship as a partnership based on trust, hope, and empathy. Clients can expect a safe, welcoming, warm and friendly, judgment-free space to explore their fears, process emotions, and develop self-understanding.

 

A Personal Touch

Beyond her professional life, Dani’s personality shines through in her hobbies and passions:

• Outdoor Enthusiast: She and her husband enjoy kayaking along the coasts of Louisiana and Texas, as well as "glamping" adventures.

• Animal Lover: Dani’s three dogs—Maynard, Rukkus, and Davos—are beloved members of her family, with Rukkus and Davos training as therapy animals. Her saltwater aquariums house an array of fascinating marine life, including coral, clownfish, and an octopus.

• Pop Culture Nerd: Dani is an avid fan of Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Star Trek, and Lord of the Rings. She is an avid reader, loves Japanese anime, and true crime.

• Life-Long Learner: She enjoys exploring Eastern philosophy, practicing martial arts, and pursuing creative hobbies like yoga, equestrian sports, music, and writing.

 

A Mission for Wellness

Dani’s journey reflects her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of her clients. Whether through counseling, coaching, or group seminars, she offers a compassionate and effective approach to personal growth and healing.

 

At Wellness Solutions, Dani provides a unique and supportive environment where individuals can thrive.

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Contact Wellness Solutions today to start your journey to wellness with Dani.