Indianapolis Counseling for Veterans & First Responders | One Step Forward Counseling
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Arielle Thibodeaux, MSW, LCSW

About Indianapolis Counselor Arielle Thibodeaux

Finding the therapist that gets you probably feels like another exhausting task. You’ve been anxious and angry for way too long. You thought you were doing "all the right things" and don't understand why you're still feeling this way. There are days you think you have it together but most of the time you know you don't. You put on a smile for everyone but you're really unhappy inside and feel completely disconnected. You're tired of feeling miserable, exhausted and confused. You're at a complete loss of what to do anymore. You know this isn't you. You're ready to make a change.

I'm Arielle Thibodeaux, MSW, LCSW, the owner of One Step Forward Counseling. I am a US Army Veteran and Certified Brainspotting Therapist. I have been working with the Veteran and First Responder community since 2014. Because of my background, you all are who I love to work with.
Arielle Thibodeaux
My philosophy & practice:

My mission is to reduce human suffering. I tend to be laid back and less structured in my approach, than some in the field. I like to follow your lead on what to work on each session. I lean towards utilizing Brainspotting and cognitive behavioral approaches (focusing on how our thoughts impact us and behavior change) in my treatment.

I use the same skills I teach clients and recognize I am also a work in progress. We are all equals in the therapy room and you can teach me as much as I teach you. I will also always be honest with you. While clients appreciate my honest and non-judgmental approach, my personality type can also be quite direct and blunt. I will also challenge you. If these are styles you do not prefer, this is absolutely ok but we are unlikely a fit for each other. 
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​I believe in a holistic approach to healing, which includes lifestyle changes. I encourage clients to make changes in habits such as sleep, hydration, diet, stress and exercise. I will generally request clients get current bloodwork through their PCP, to help rule out underlying health concerns. I explore psychotropic medication on as needed basis, after other medical concerns are ruled out by your physician and/or appropriately treated. If seeking psychotropic medications, I will typically recommend GeneSight testing plus working with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. I sometimes will refer people for neuropsychological testing, to rule out other concerns. These changes, coupled with therapy, could result in the changes you're looking for, but are not guaranteed. 

My practice is a solo private practice. This means you may have a different experience than medical practices you have utilized previously. I have no other staff and you will only be dealing with me on matters including admin, billing and insurance in addition to your counseling services. I work to keep my caseload in a place where I can offer personalized attention to everyone but I am not always immediately available. I am always happy to coordinate and collaborate with others on your treatment team. 

My professional background:
Arielle Thibodeaux
​I earned my Bachelors of Social Work at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2011 and my Masters of Social Work at University of Southern Indiana in 2012. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Indiana License Number: 34007071A and Texas License Number: 68646). I opened One Step Forward Counseling in 2018. I have been practicing for over a decade.
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I am a US Army Veteran. I was deployed in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve, as a Behavioral Health Officer. I spent time working with Soldiers in Kuwait, Iraq and Jordan. I am also married to a combat Veteran and we are a blended family. 

​In 2020 I became a Certified Brainspotting Therapist. My trainings include some of the following: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ​Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Imago Relationship ​​
Therapy Level 1 and The Gottman Method Level 1 & 2. I also completed the Integrative Mental Health Professional training. I also have a plethora of trainings, and lived experience, with neurodiversity. 

I can be heard on Burnt Out Podcast (episode 14) and seen in Triathlete Magazine. 

I also offer consultations to Brainspotting clinicians or therapists who are stuck on a Veteran or First Responder case, clinical supervision to students and associates and speaking. Visit my consultation website to learn more. 

One Step Forward Counseling, INC | 317-775-8797 | arielle@onestepforwardcounseling.com | Crisis dial 988
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