About Me
Meet the Leading Certified Counselor in Lafayette, LA
I’m Dean Altenhofen II, a board-certified counselor in Lafayette, LA. Over 15 years ago, I started the Effective Counseling Center (ECC) to guide and empower individuals, families, and couples who are going through complicated situations. Whether struggling with family challenges or emotional burdens, I help each patient heal and manage adversity by providing personalized counseling. I also offer evaluative and consulting services in Dr. Sydney Crackower’s office, a family physician with over 40 years of experience.
As a licensed therapist and certified counselor, I provide a holistic, problem-solving approach to help individuals in different situations. Though I have 15 years of experience assisting a broad range of clients, my areas of expertise are chronic pain, attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), and interpersonal relationships. To strengthen my knowledge and skills, I have also attended national and regional conferences on chronic pain, ADD, anger elimination, and sand tray therapy.
As a licensed therapist and certified counselor, I provide a holistic, problem-solving approach to help individuals in different situations. Though I have 15 years of experience assisting a broad range of clients, my areas of expertise are chronic pain, attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), and interpersonal relationships. To strengthen my knowledge and skills, I have also attended national and regional conferences on chronic pain, ADD, anger elimination, and sand tray therapy.
My Approach & Experience
Along with my experience and certifications, I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. My approach is to support and provide feedback to patients, helping them understand and overcome their challenges. Using complementary methodologies and techniques, I provide personalized treatments that positively impact each patient. Compassion and understanding are crucial in individual, family, and marriage counseling. That’s why I work closely with each person who schedules an appointment with me to help them build their strengths and achieve personal growth.
Education
Florida Southern College, 1999, Bachelor of Science with Majors in Psychology & SociologyUniversity of Louisiana at Lafayette, 2005, Master of Science in Counselor Education
Licenses, Certifications, & Awards
Licensed Professional Counselor (Louisiana License #3521)Nationally Certified Counselor (National Board for Certified Counselors)
Additional Training
I complete at least 20 hours of continuing education each year to expand my knowledge and keep updated with new practices. This continuing education includes attending several national and regional conferences, as well as signing up and completing online classes.
Activities & Memberships
Lifetime Member of Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in PsychologyLifetime Member of Chi Sigma Iota, International Counseling Academic & Professional Honor SocietyMember of the American Counseling Association
My Approach to Therapy
I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. My approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients overcome challenges in their personal lives. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to provide personalized treatments for every client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and achieve personal growth.
Education
- Florida Southern College, 1999, Bachelor of Science with Majors in Psychology & Sociology
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 2005, Master of Science in Counselor Education
Additional Training
- I complete at least 20 hours of continuing education each calendar year through attendance at various national and regional conferences as well as online continuing education.
License, Certifications, & Awards
- Licensed Professional Counselor, Louisiana License Number 3521
- Nationally Certified Counselor, National Board For Certified Counselors
Professional Activities & Memberships
- Lifetime Member of Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology
- Lifetime Member of Chi Sigma Iota, International Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society
- Member of the American Counseling Association