The Full Story

Counseling Collective Educational Program

As part of the Mission of Brightside Therapy Collective, we want to bring not only education and counseling services to the greater community, but to those in our profession as well. We have launched (Fall 2022) the Counseling Collective Educational Program.

Mission

Students from local universities pursuing Master's level work in counseling and social work fields will be able to work with clients at the practice. This allows a learning environment for the student interns as well as more opportunities for affordable and reduced counseling for our clients. Students are under the supervision of Monica Matuska , LMFT

Student Intern Supervisor

Monica Matuska , LMFT

Nicole Freire, Student Intern

I am a graduate of the University of New Orleans where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I am currently a master’s candidate at the University of the Cumberlands in the Clinical Mental Health program. I believe that if we are given the tools to address life situations such as change, emotional exhaustion, loss, and strained relationships that growth can occur instead of feeling stuck or stressed. I hope to empower individuals to reach their goals by fully using their strengths and resources in meaningful ways.

As a counselor, I want to learn your story and work alongside you to achieve positive change. I can help you explore internal strengths and resourcefulness so you can move through life’s struggles with more ease. My approach to therapy is from a humanistic perspective in which I believe that we have all we need within ourselves to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. We can reach our goals when barriers to problem-solving resources are removed. Using person-centered therapy, I will work alongside you to help identify these barriers and discover resources needed to problem-solve.

Attachments area

Brittany Ford , Student Intern

Brittany is a graduate student of Capella University currently enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. In 2013, she earned a Masters of Public Health from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health. Before pursuing her aspirations in counseling education, Brittany spent several years working with children and families, as a teacher, within the Orleans Parish School System. Brittany’s academic and professional experience, as both a teacher and a student, have always aligned with her work of helping individuals understand how trauma and their life experiences affect their emotional health and well-being.

Brittany believes that each client is unique and therefore, each counseling experience should be uniquely tailored to their individual needs. Through an integrated approach of evidence-based strategies, counseling will be used to empower clients with knowledge and tools to explore patterns of behaviors and identify presenting issues in a safe environment. One of her values as a counselor is to form a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship, which will allow the client to make attainable goals to address any presenting issues to make lasting change and improve their overall health and wellness.

Olivia Sitzman, Student Intern

Seeking a partner to help you navigate the complexities of life and find inner balance?

I'm a Master of Social Work(MSW) student at Tulane University specializing in Mental Health, Addiction, & The Family and a’m absolutely thrilled to work with the team at Brightside! My approach to therapy is not only professional but also deeply personal. I understand that this is a collaborative journey, and I truly value the opportunity to meet and work with you. I believe in building a strong therapeutic alliance based on trust, empathy, and respect and aim to ensure that your voice is heard and that your unique perspectives and goals are central to our therapeutic process. When you step into my safe, nonjudgemental, and nurturing space, you'll find an ally who will walk alongside you on your journey of self-discovery. Together, we can explore the depths of your experiences, gain valuable insights, foster your goals, and develop effective coping strategies to navigate life's challenges. I'm dedicated to empowering you to unlock your true potential and lead a more fulfilling life. My dedication to my craft and commitment to my clients make me an invaluable partner on your path to self-discovery and well-being. Let’s embark on a transformative journey, explore new possibilities, and discover your inner strength to create a life filled with meaning, joy, and fulfillment.

I’m currently available M/W/F for in-person and telehealth sessions.