Ann Abbrecht, LPC

About Ann

I graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in History and English in 1971.  After teaching for many years in New Orleans, my passion for helping others led me to the Master’s of Science in Counseling program at Loyola University New Orleans and graduated in 2009. While attending Loyola, I was a member of Chi Sigma Iota: the Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International.  During my studies, I received the Humanitarian Award from the Alpha Chi Chapter of Chi Sig and was also recognized as an outstanding graduate student receiving the Regina Matthews Oehmig Award for Excellence in Counseling.

Currently in private practice in the Uptown area, I provide therapeutic services to individuals with various issues.  I have a particular focus in working with those with depression and anxiety.  I also have extensive experience in working with those who are experiencing grief. Lastly, I work with those who are working through gender identity and its complexities.

My Therapeutic Approach

I believe in a holistic approach to counseling – a process by which any of us can take the opportunity to focus on various aspects of our lives, ourselves, and who we want to become. My style has a warm and empathetic approach with a down to earth and direct design, and typically my clients appreciate the safe and comfortable environment I provide as they discover their ability to be agents of change within their lives.

Our time generally focuses on uncovering negative thought patterns, personal myths, and beliefs that maintain our problems and then working together to find new ways to think, act and feel. Through this process, my clients have found insight into how their past has affected their present, and how their present can improve their future.

Educational Talks

Working with the New Orleans Bar Association in a Continuing Education Unit (CEU) format,  my presentations have dealt with stress and anxiety in the legal community as well as depression among lawyers.  Looking at the lifestyle, health and stressful workplace that can exist in the law community, we discuss new perspectives that emphasize proactive mental health.

In addition, I have presented the mental health side of suicide in the legal community, its warning signs, the triggers and what to do to get help for clients and lawyers alike.