NATCHITOCHES – Dr. Tarkisha M. Wallace, Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and National Certified Counselor based in Baton Rouge and an assistant professor of counselor education at Northwestern State University. As the founder of Soar Counseling and Consulting Services, LLC, she is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges, heal emotional wounds and achieve personal growth.
Wallace is a proud alumna of NSU, having earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2005 and Master of Arts in Student Personnel Services – Counseling in 2008. She has over a decade of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care to children, adolescents and adults. Her therapeutic approach blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Counseling and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to empower clients to build resilience and rediscover hope.
Wallace’s personal journey through adversity inspired her mission to help others Soar — finding strength, optimism, awareness and renewal through the counseling process. In addition to her clinical practice, she serves as a mentor and supervisor for provisional LPCs, supporting the next generation of mental health professionals.
Wallace’s work spans a wide range of focus areas, including anxiety, depression, anger management, family dynamics, life transitions and grief recovery. Known for her authenticity, empathy, and practical wisdom, Wallace has become a trusted advocate for mental wellness across Louisiana communities.
Wallace visited with a colleague recently to talk about her passion for helping others, her private practice Soar and her transition from counseling to academia. The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Can you tell me about your background and education? When did you becoming interested in counseling?
I grew up in Baton Rouge and began attending NSU in the fall of 2001, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Speech. While at NSU, I was active in several student organizations, serving as president of the NSU Angels, a basketball auxiliary organization, and as a proud member of the Iota Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2005.
Following a very personal loss, I returned to Northwestern to pursue a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Services, Counseling track and completed the program in 2008. I was drawn to counseling during that time of grief; it was in my own season of healing that I recognized how vital it was for others to have access to the same kind of support I so deeply needed. That experience became the foundation for my passion for helping others through loss and emotional recovery.
What drew you to enroll at NSU as an undergrad?
Initially, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to attend college, but not going wasn’t an option in my household. My mother had a friend whose daughter attended NSU and spoke very highly of her experience, so we decided to visit. For my parents, NSU was close enough to reach me if needed but far enough to allow me to gain independence and grow. By the end of my first semester in fall 2001, I had fallen in love with the campus culture, student life, and the community that makes Northwestern so special.
Did you have any special mentors or outstanding experiences that impacted you as a student?
Graduate school brought two individuals who left a lasting impression on my life. Dr. Danny Seymour became a mentor and has continued to be a source of support and encouragement even 17 years later. I also had Mrs. Frances Conine as my Counseling Skills instructor, and her compassion and understanding during my time of grief made a profound impact. The kindness and guidance both provided still influence the way I teach, counsel and mentor others today.
What drew you from the counseling practice to the university/academic setting?
I often say that while I am a great counselor, I’m an even better trainer. I have a deep love for training and professional development, and teaching allows me to merge those passions. Educating and preparing future counselors to serve in the field is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. I view this season of my life as one focused on imparting knowledge, compassion and practical skill to the next generation of counselors, helping them develop the confidence and competence to carry the profession forward.
Can you talk about Soar?
Soar Counseling and Consulting Services is my private practice, which I founded in 2015. At the time, I had stepped into a leadership role that involved more administrative oversight than direct counseling. Soar allowed me to continue doing the clinical work I loved while also mentoring and developing professionals in leadership and mental health settings. It represents both my commitment to helping individuals heal and my dedication to empowering professionals to grow.
What would you say to an individual interested in the field of counseling?
Counseling is truly “heart work.” While we learn techniques and theory, at its core, counseling begins with empathy, compassion and the desire to help others. The counselor’s role often leaves a lifelong impression; people may forget what we say, but they rarely forget how we made them feel. It’s a field that requires both skill and heart, and it’s an incredible privilege to walk alongside others as they navigate their healing journey.
Information on NSU’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is available at https://www.nsula.edu/program/bachelor-of-science-in-psychology/. Information on the Master of Science in Psychology-Clinical is available at
https://www.nsula.edu/program/master-of-science-in-psychology-clinical/