About Us

Counseling for Growth, L.L.C. 2924 Brakley Dr. Suite B2 Baton Rouge, LA 70816 US

Welcome to Counseling for Growth, L.L.C.

About Us

Dr. Dean

Christian J. Dean holds a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in counseling from the University of New Orleans.

Dr. Dean is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisor (LMFT-S), and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Dr. Dean is available for licensing supervision for counselors and for marriage and family therapists. He has presented on a number of topics at state, national, and international conferences. He has specifically presented on the systemic impact of infidelity at two different state mental health conferences as well as publishing an article on the subject in a professional journal. Dr. Dean is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom III and is now serving in the Army Reserves. Having been born in Spain, Dr. Dean is fluent in Spanish and enjoys working with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Although Dr. Dean is a generalist and works with most struggles, he does have some additional training, experience, and/or knowledge in the following areas:

Substance abuse and compulsive behaviors
Juvenile sex offenders
Trauma survivors (military, physical, sexual, and/or interpersonal)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Couples/Marriage Counseling
Family Counseling/Therapy
Recovery from Infidelity or other interpersonal trauma
Parent training and Behavioral Modification
Working with military members and their families
Child-Centered Play and Filial Therapy
Spanish Speaking individuals and families

Counseling approaches can include:

Person Centered Counseling
Systemic Therapy
Behavior Modification
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
Couples Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Psychoeducation
Behavioral Therapy
Family Therapy
Child Centered Play
Filial Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Publications:

Silva, S., Dean, C. J., & Balkin, R. S. (in press). A canonical correlation analysis of self compassion, life balance, and burnout in counselors. Journal of Counseling & Development.

Dean, C. J. (2022). Ladders and Shovels: How to climb out of emotional holes and stop digging them. Flamenco Media, LLC.

Stewart-Spencer, S. E. & Dean, C. J. (Eds.). (2022). Metaphors in counselor education and supervision. New York, NY: Routledge.

Dean, C. J. (2022). The elephant hunter. In S. Stewart-Spencer & C. Dean (Eds.), Metaphors in counselor education and supervision (pp. 41-44). New York, NY: Routledge.

Dean, C. J. (2022). The car mechanic. In S. Stewart-Spencer & C. Dean (Eds.), Metaphors in counselor education and supervision (pp. 57-60). New York, NY: Routledge.

Dean, C. J. (2019). The corrective feedback microlab: An experiential group exercise to facilitate the giving and receiving of corrective feedback. Louisiana Journal of Counseling, 26, 6-11.

Dean, C. J., Stewart-Spencer, S. E., Cabanilla, A., Wayman, D., & Heher, M. (2018). Collaborative gatekeeping between site supervisors and mental health counseling faculty. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 11(2). Retrieved from https://repository.wcsu.edu/jcps/vol11/iss2/1

Dean, C. J. (2017). Metaphors: Diversifying mental health practice, education, and supervision. Therapeutic Speakeasy Quarterly, 1 (1), 6-7.

Dean, C. J. (2016). Billy. In E. Ventura (Ed.), Casebook for DSM-5: Diagnosis and treatment planning (pp. 109-115). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.

Kippers, S. & Dean, C. J. (2016). Luz. In E. Ventura (Ed.), Casebook for DSM-5: Diagnosis and treatment planning (pp. 123-129). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.

Stewart-Spencer, S. E. & Dean, C. J. (Eds.). (2016). Metaphors and therapy: Enhancing clinical supervision and education. (Vol. 1). Baton Rouge, LA: Independent Therapy Ink, LLC.

Dean, C. J. (2016). The therapeutic process: The therapist's guide to hitchhiking. In S. Stewart-Spencer & C. Dean (Eds.), Metaphors and therapy: Enhancing clinical supervision and education (Vol. 1, pp. 54-58). Baton Rouge, LA: Independent Therapy Ink, LLC.

Stewart-Spencer, S. E. & Dean, C. J. (2016). Introduction. In S. Stewart-Spencer & C. Dean (Eds.), Metaphors and therapy: Enhancing clinical supervision and education (Vol. 1, pp. 1-4). Baton Rouge, LA: Independent Therapy Ink, LLC.

Dean, C. J. (2015). Ethical gatekeeping for LPC supervisors. Louisiana Journal of Counseling, 22, 42-46.

Dean, C. J. (2013). Ethical considerations for dual licensed professionals. Louisiana Journal of Counseling, 20, 20-26.

Dean, C. J. (2011). Psychoeducation: A first step to understanding infidelity related systemic trauma and grieving. The Family Journal, 19, 15-21.

Collaborative Research:

DSM-5 Field Trials in Routine Clinical Practice Settings: Collaborative Investigator.

Invited Professional Presentations:

Dean, C. J. (2024, April). Assessing, Diagnosing, and Treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Presented virtually as an invited professional development series for the Louisiana LPC Political Action Committee (PAC). (3 hours)

Dean, C. J. (2019, April). Right, wrong, or best decision: Ethical dilemmas and MFT practice. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2016, November). PTSD. Presented to the Our Lady of the Lake and Louisiana State University Psychiatric Residency Program in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J. & Kippers, S. (2016, September). Private practice: From intake to billing. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA. Due to Best of Show award in 2015.

Dean, C. J. (2015, September). Interrelationships of Manipulative Drama. Presented at the Louisiana Mental Health Counselors Association Luncheon, Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2013, September). Impulse Control in Pornography and Internet Addiction. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Counselors Luncheon at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2013, February). Infidelity: Systemic Grieving - Systemic Trauma. Presentation for the Our Lady of Holy Cross College 2013 Mardi Gras Conference, New Orleans, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2013, February). Couples Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Presentation for the Our Lady of Holy Cross College 2013 Mardi Gras Conference, New Orleans, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2004, February). Exploring and identifying the grief process in substance abuse recovery. Presented at the Association of Substance Abuse Providers and Professionals, New Orleans, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2003, November). Humor: A tool to help reduce counselor burnout. Presented at Our Lady of Holy Cross College, Chi Sigma Iota Chapter presentation, New Orleans, LA.

Professional Presentations:

Dean, C. J. (2023, October). Decreasing Conflict and Increasing Emotional Intimacy in Couples. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA. (1.5 hours)

Dean, C. J. (2023, October). Suicide Risk Awareness and Prevention with Service

Members and Veterans. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA. (1.5 hours)

Dean, C. J. (2023, October). The Use of Metaphors and Other Creative Approaches In Counselor Education. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA. (1.5 hours)

Dean, C. J. (2023, March). PTSD: Assessing, diagnosing, and treatment planning.

Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference, held virtually.

Dean, C. J. (2023, March). Metaphors in Therapy and in the Training/Supervision of Mental Health Professionals. Presented as part of the Southern New Hampshire University, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Continuing Education Committee, Virtual.

Dean, C. J. (2023, February). Ethical supervision practices for Louisiana LPC board approved supervisors. Presented at the Connections Count Professional Development Conference in Lake Charles, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2023, February). Suicide awareness and prevention. Presented at the Connections Count Professional Development Conference in Lake Charles, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2023, February). PTSD: Assessing, diagnosing, and treatment planning. Presented at the Connections Count Professional Development Conference in Lake Charles, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2023, February). Serving Those Who Serve: A Counselor’s Guide to

Where and How to Work with Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families. Presented at the 8th Annual Law and Ethics in Counseling Conference in New Orleans, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2022, September). Metaphors in Therapy and in the Training/Supervision of Mental Health Professionals. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2022, September). Serving Those Who Serve: A Counselor’s Guide to

Where and How to Work with Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA.

Dean, C. J. & Reed, R. M. (2022, March). Appraisal Instruments to Help with

Diagnosing Individuals and Assessing Systems. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference, held virtually due to COVID-19.

Dean, C. J. & Reed, R. M. (2022, March). Ethical realities: A review and

conceptualization of Louisiana LPC board of examiner disciplinary actions. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference, held virtually due to COVID-19.

Dean, C. J. & Silva, S. (2022, February). Impairment versus effective: Ethical and legal rationale for adjusting codes and procedures (Round-table). Presented at the 7th Annual Law and Ethics in Counseling Conference, New Orleans, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2021, October). Ladders and shovels: A metaphor for effective cognitive-behavioral theory application. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference, held virtually due to COVID-19.

Dean, C. J. (2021, October). Military systems and mental health: Understanding the culture, understanding the dynamics. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference, held virtually due to COVID-19.

Dean, C. J. (2021, February). Understanding anxiety and the rise of symptoms since COVID-19. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and

Family Therapy Annual Conference, held virtually due to COVID-19.

Dean, C. J. (2021, February). Clinical interventions for anxiety disorders. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference, held virtually due to COVID-19.

Fazio-Griffith, L., Kippers, S. & Dean, C. J. (2020, October). Supervision reimagined: A model for distance supervision.Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference, held virtually due to COVID-19.

Dean, C. J. (2020, May). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anger management.

Presented at the Southern New Hampshire University Training Series, Virtual.

Dean, C. J. (2020). Self-compassion: An ethical first step to reduce burnout and increase self-care. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference, Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2020). The connection between the double bind and Karpman’s model of manipulative drama: Identifying patterns in systems. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference, Baton Rouge, LA.

Kippers, S. & Dean, C. J. (2019, October). Enhancing self-awareness and reflectivity: Integrating experiential activities in group supervision. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2018, December). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anger management. Presented at the Walden University Residency in Atlanta, GA.

Dean, C. J. (2018, October). Assessing, diagnosing, and treating anxiety disorders. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2018, October). The ACA and AAMFT code of ethics: Ethical decision-making in an ethically conflicting world. Three-Hour presentation at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2017, October). PTSD: Assessing, diagnosing, and treatment planning. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2017, May). Private practice management for counselors. Presented as a WOW Workshop, School of Counseling, Walden University.

Dean, C. J. & Kippers, S. (2017, March). Private practice: From intake to billing. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2016, September). Ethical decision making and the 2015 AAMFT code of ethics. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J., Salgado, R. A., & Salgado, A. (2016, April). Advocating for counselors with religious views: Ethical and practical considerations. Presented at the American Counseling Association- Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association Conference in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Dean, C. J. & Stewart-Spencer, S. (2015, October). Culturally relevant metaphors and analogies for counseling skill development and integration. Roundtable discussion facilitated at the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision in Philadelphia, PA.

Dean, C. J., Stewart-Spencer, S., & Heher, M. (2015, October). Collaborative gatekeeping: Bridging the academia and clinical Gap. Poster session presented at the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision in Philadelphia, PA.

Dean, C. J. & Kippers, S. (2015, September). Private practice: From intake to billing. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA. Awarded Best of Show.

Dean, C. J. (2015, September). Appraisal and diagnosis of bipolar and depressive disorders. A 3-hour pre-conference learning instituted presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2015, February). Addressing Problematic Behaviors in Children: Integrating Behavioral Family Therapy & Choice Theory. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2015, February). LMFTs & Diagnosing: Updates, Challenges, and Practice. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2014, September). Appraisal Instruments and Ethical Considerations for Privileged LPCs. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA.

Salgado, R., Dean, C. J., Johnson, T. J., & Hallila, J. S. (2014, September). Current Laws and Policies: Conflicting with Male Genes. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2014, March). Impulse Control Treatment in Family Systems. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J. & Chapoton, A. (2013, September). Sex Offenses and Sex Abuse. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA.

Gagnon, C. & Dean, C. J. (2013, September). Working with the Military and their Families. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA.

Dean, C. J. (2013, February). Couples Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Presentation at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C. J. & Chapoton, A. (2013, February). Sex Offenses and Sex Abuse. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dean, C.J., Stower, C., & Duchac, N. (2012, March). Critical Incidents in Military Systems: Systemic Case Analysis. 6-hour Pre-Conference Learning Institute presentation at the American Counseling Association National Conference in San Francisco, California.

Dean, C. J. (2011, March). Military Systems and Mental Health: Understanding the Culture, Understanding Dynamics. 3-hour Pre-Conference Learning Institute presented at the American Counseling Association National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Dean, C. J. (2010, February). Everyday Chaos: Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Systemic Understandings of Karpman's Model of Manipulative Drama. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Dean, C. J. (2009, October). Infidelity: Systemic Grieving-Systemic Trauma. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Annual Conference, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Dean, C. J. (2008, February). Infidelity: Systemic Grieving-Systemic Trauma. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Dean, C. J. (2008, February). Military Systems and Mental Health: Understanding the Culture, Understanding Dynamics. Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

McCann, S., & Dean, C. J. (2007, November). Surviving the storm: Using play-based interventions to promote healing after traumatic events. General session presented at the Children’s Institute’s 50th Anniversary National Conference, Rochester, NY.

Dean, C. J. (2007, October). Systemic Substance Abuse Assessments. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Conference, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Dean C. J. (2007, October). Child-Centered Play: Early Screening and Intervention. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Conference, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Dean, C. J. (2006, March). Counseling soldiers in a combat zone: a summary of symptoms, disorders diagnosed, treatments, and utilization. Presented at the American and Canadian Counseling Association Conference, Montreal (Quebec), Canada.

Dean, C. J. (2006, March). The use of humor in counseling and counselor education: positives, negatives, and how to make it work for you. Presented at the American and Canadian Counseling Association Conference, Montreal (Quebec), Canada.

Dean, C. J., & Kippers, S. (2003, October). Exploring and identifying the grief process in substance abuse recovery. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Conference, Monroe, LA.

Ziomek-Daigle, J., & Dean, C. J. (2003, October). Transitioning to school counseling: differences between teachers and non-teachers. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Conference, Monroe, LA.

Ziomek-Daigle, J., & Dean, C. J. (2003, September). Transitioning to school counseling: differences between teachers and non-teachers. Presented at the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Chattanooga, TN.

Dean, C. J. (2002, October). The use of humor in counseling: positives, negatives, and how to make it work for you. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Conference, Baton Rouge, LA.

Salgado, R., & Dean, C. J. (2002, October). Making the growing Hispanic population and counselors aware of counseling services that meet/suit the population’s needs. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Conference, Baton Rouge, LA.

Charmaine Garin, M.S., PLPC, NCC

Charmaine Garin is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with experiences in the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), elementary and middle schools, and private practice settings. Charmaine offers both in-person and virtual/Telehealth counseling for individuals who are interested or unable to attend in person. Charmaine holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University at Alexandria and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University. She is also a professional member of the Louisiana Counseling Association.

Charmaine welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a particular focus on Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders (AAPI), and other people of color who are struggling with stress, anxiety, self-esteem issues, childhood trauma, as well as relational and interpersonal challenges. Born in the Philippines, Charmaine understands the unique challenges faced by minorities in the United States and recognizes the impact of generational trauma on mental health.

Charmaine works with children, adolescents, and adults, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the counseling relationship. She utilizes a relational psychodynamic approach to explore current and past relationships, aiming to understand emotional responses and behavioral patterns to help clients make informed changes. Charmaine highly values insight engagement as a way to foster meaningful self-reflection and exploration of inner experiences, meeting clients where they are in their therapeutic journey. She is currently offering a free 15-minute consultation to potential clients.

To reach Charmaine directly: cgarincoun@gmail.com; (225) 366-9902

Languages: English and Filipino

About Counseling for Growth, LLC

Counseling for Growth, LLC was established to provide therapeutic assistance to members within the Greater Baton Rouge and surrounding communities. Dr. Christian J. Dean is trained, licensed, and experienced in a variety of counseling approaches having worked in a multitude of settings. Dr. Dean is also one of the few SPANISH speaking counselor in the Baton Rouge Area.

Charmaine Garin, PLPC is one of few Filipino speaking mental health professionals in the area.

Counselors and Therapists are often referred to as many different things. For example, couples counselors, marriage and family therapists, marriage and family counselors, children and adolescent counselors, and substance abuse counselors, to name a few. Different counselors and therapists have different training, experiences, and backgrounds.

Offered Services: counseling sessions for individuals, couples, and families; Therapeutic work with children, adolescents, and adults. Services are focused on addressing many struggles to include:

Depression and Sadness
Codependency
Anxiety and Stress
Communication difficulties
Recovery from Infidelity
Trust issues
Sex issues
Substance Abuse recovery
Recovery from compulsive behaviors (gambling, sex, internet, porn, spending, eating, etc.)
Emotional intimacy
Trauma
Self-esteem issues
Sex offender
Relationship struggles (couples and parent-child)

Please call if you have questions. Dr. Dean and Charmaine will be happy to answer any questions to ensure your feel comfortable selecting the counselor that will best meet your needs. Dr. Dean offers a 30-minute "meet and greet" at only $15.00. The "meet and greet" is an inexpensive way to meet your potential counselor to see if it would be a "good fit." Charmaine offers a free 15 minute consult as well.

When making an appointment, Dr. Dean will collect your insurance information and get authorizations and benefits. Dr. Dean and Charmaine believe in customer service and customer satisfaction on a clinical as well as business level.