Lauralee Estes Credentials

MA, Counseling, Liberty University, 1997

BA, Psychology, Liberty University, 1992

Licensed Professional Counselor, License # 2504

About Arlee Pugh

To seamlessly join together past and present, family and career, pain and joy, South and North American culture, English and Portuguese languages, Christian and Jewish faiths, body, soul and spirit into a fulfilled dream has been the on-going life’s quest for Arlee Pugh. She was born in New Orleans, LA. to Brazilian parents. Her Catholic mother was a homemaker and mother of five children, and her Jewish father’s livelihood of export-import afforded the family the exposure to two very different cultures and languages. From a very young age, Arlee has been acclimated to, tolerant and comfortable with diverse cultures, races, religions and values, enhancing her innate passion to help, support, nurture and encourage, all intertwined with her unquenchable thirst for knowledge. She fulfilled this dichotomy for nurture and knowledge by marrying at a young age, raising her own five children, while engaging in ministry, higher education and a career in mental health.

As a mental health professional, Arlee has worked with a very diverse population including the homeless, the mentally ill and with clients with presenting problems such as identity and relationship issues, sexual abuse and trauma, thought and/or behavioral problems, spiritual/religious concerns, women’s issues, domestic violence, self-esteem, boundaries, and mood and personality disorders.

Her theoretical approach is wholestic, with a strong emphasis on the cognitive/behavioral modalities. The Rogerian client-centered approach is central to her therapy, where the client is always treated with dignity and respect. She stands strongly on the belief that all humanity is comprised of body, soul and spirit, and each individual has a purpose. Her dream and her calling have always been to partner with others in their personal journey to healing, purpose and fulfillment. With her gifts of compassion and empathy, she helps others combine the light and dark hues of their lives into a unique, colorful tapestry.

Arlee is also a motivational public speaker and available for workshops and seminars.