Phone

Joel Daugherty

Faith-based Counselor in Lake Charles, LA
Licensed Professional Counselor
5 years in practice
Accepted Insurance Plans:
  • BCBS
  • Magellan
  • Cigna
  • UnitedHealth
  • 715 Ryan St., Suite 105
  • Lake Charles,LA

About Joel Daugherty

Moody teenagers and exasperated parents are welcome here! As a divorced dad with five kids, I've personally experienced the ups-and-downs (and related drama) of having adolescents. As a family therapist and interventionist, I've helped teens and their parents navigate extremely challenging behavioral issues. In the process, I've learned that there's always an underlying cause to negative behaviors. These can be identified with time, patience, and good communication. Teens and their families can be incredibly resilient, and negative behaviors can change. There is always hope!

As a trained Functional Family Therapist (FFT) and Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), I've learned what works and what doesn't in getting families to open up about these challenges. Traditional "talk therapy" may not always work for teenagers. My out-of-the-box approach includes a variety of tools to help foster meaningful connection and positive change.

Though it may not seem like it, teens want a positive connection with their parents and caregivers. Adolescence is often a time of tumultuous changes; teens need the foundation of a strong family relationship during this difficult time. Let me help you, your teen, and your family work together towards hope, healing, and positive change.

Answers  (5)

I don't want to keep going back and forth between my parents' houses

At age 17, I think you are old enough to decide which parent you want to stay with full-time. I would gently and lovingly tell your father that you've decided to stay with your mother. You can offer to visit him regularly, if you'd like. Parents often have a hard time letting go and, especially in... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

How do I stop sneaking away from home at night?

I've talked to many teens who frequently sneak out. The question I always ask them is, "What are you getting from sneaking out that you aren't getting at home?" Many teens answer they are hooking up, using substances, and engaging in other risky behaviors. As uncomfortable as it might be, I... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

How can I be interested in the same sex after nearly 40 years of being straight?

Sexuality is normally formed during adolescence. It would be extremely rare for someone to develop feelings of same-sex attraction later in life. I would explore whether the attraction you are experiencing is sexually-based or intimacy-based. Perhaps you are craving a close, emotionally intimate... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

Is it normal to cry at therapy?

I love to see tears! There's an old saying, "The eyes are the windows to the soul." External emotions are a pretty good indicator of what's going on inside the person, and if tears are present, that often means the person is processing (i.e., moving forward) through their emotions! I'm more... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

I think my daughter is stressing too much

As parents, it's hard not to have "freak out" moments when our children are being bullied, stressed, or exhibit other symptoms of teenage angst. We walk a delicate balance of letting go and giving autonomy to our teens get older. Adolescents are learning how to be functional adults and it's... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

Focus Areas

Most Helpful

Parenting Guidance
2 answers
Counseling Children & Adolescents
1 answer
Behavioral Change
1 answer
Fundamentals of Counseling
1 answer
Stress Management
1 answer