Maria Salazar Istre

MS, LPC, NCC, CFRC • Licensed Professional Counselor

In-person only

About

At the intersection of trauma recovery and multicultural understanding stands Maria "Mica" Salazar Istre, MS, LPC, NCC, CFRC, a beacon of hope for those seeking to overcome life's most challenging obstacles. As the owner, CEO, and Clinical Director of Tree of Life Counseling and Consulting, Mica has dedicated her career to bridging the gap for ethnic and linguistic minorities in the Acadiana Area, making her practice the only multiculturally focused group counseling center in the region.

Mica's journey in mental health is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and professional training. As a Las Vegas native and child of immigrant parents, she brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding firsthand the complexities faced by marginalized communities. This background, coupled with her Master's of Science in Counselor Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, has shaped her into a compassionate and skilled therapist with a particular focus on trauma recovery.

Specializing in PTSD and Complex Trauma, Mica's expertise extends to various traumatic experiences, including sexual assault, childhood abuse, race-based trauma, and combat trauma. Her commitment to serving those who serve others is evident in her certification as a First Responder Counselor, a role that allows her to support military personnel, veterans, and first responders. Mica's approach to therapy is both comprehensive and cutting-edge, utilizing evidence-based treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), and Trauma Resolution Therapy (TRT). She is currently working towards her EMDR certification, adhering to EMDRIA's highest standards of care.

What sets Mica apart is her ability to offer bilingual counseling services to the Latinx community, a skill honed through her work at a sexual assault center. This experience not only expanded her clinical repertoire but also deepened her understanding of the unique challenges faced by immigrant clients. Mica's practice is a testament to her belief in viewing clients as whole persons, integrating spirituality when applicable, and offering Christian Counseling upon request.

Mica's influence extends beyond individual therapy sessions. She is a sought-after consultant and educator, offering training and presentations on trauma recovery, diversity and inclusion, multiculturalism, and sexual abuse at national, state, and local levels. Her expertise has been recognized by media outlets, with appearances on KLFY discussing the debilitating effects of PTSD and the hope found in trauma treatment. Licensed to practice in Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida, Mica Salazar Istre stands ready to guide clients towards a thriving, fulfilling life, embodying the philosophy that we are not defined by what happens to us, but by what we choose to become.

Qualifications

Education

  • Master of Science in Counselor Education, Lafayette, LA

Certifications, Memberships & Training

  • National Certified Counselor
  • Certified First Responder Counselor
  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Training
  • Narrative Exposure Therapy Training
  • Trauma Resolution Therapy Training
  • Formational Prayer Training

State Licenses

  • Licensed Professional Counselor

Specialties & Expertise

Specializations

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • Military and Veteran's Issues
  • PTSD
  • Sexual Abuse or Assault
  • Spirituality
  • Trauma

State Licenses

  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Louisiana

Race, Gender & Sexual Sensitivities

  • LGBTQ+ Allied

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Locations

Tree of Life Counseling - Lafayette
516 Verot School Rd, a
Lafayette, LA 70508

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