about Second Story Counseling Co.
Second Story Counseling Co. is a Private Practice Therapy collective of licensed therapists offering individual, couples, and family counseling. SSCC was thoughtfully designed with intention you can feel from the moment you step through the door.
We believe healing happens not only through excellent clinical care, but through the environment that holds it. From our lakefront views that invite your nervous system to slow down, to the subtle aroma of espresso in the lobby, and candles softly burning down the hall…every detail of our space has been curated to support your healing journey by exuding peace, safety, and deep presence.
This is a place where you can finally exhale
before you even begin to share your story.
Our design aesthetic reflects our philosophy of care: elevated, thoughtful, and deeply human. Natural light, calming textures, and intentional sensory elements engage all five senses to create a space that feels both curated and warmly welcoming.
We recognize that reaching out to begin therapy is vulnerable for many. Our hope is to make accessing therapy feel less intimidating, genuinely supportive, and something you feel ready to conquer.
At the heart of Second Story is a dedication to excellent mental health care. Our clinicians are highly trained, relationally-focused, and committed to meeting you with curiosity, compassion, and skill.
Whether you are beginning a new chapter, navigating relational challenges, or healing from past experiences, we are honored to offer a space that reflects how much your story matters.
Our Story
Second Story Counseling Co. was founded in 2025 by Sarah Nelms and Sarah Oldendorf, both Licensed Professional Counselors born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Although they grew up in the same city, their paths didn’t cross until years later, when they found themselves working side-by-side as high school counselors. What began as collegial collaboration quickly revealed something deeper—a shared way of seeing people, relationships, and the kind of care they believed therapy could be.
The parallels in their professional journeys were uncanny. Both began their careers in college counseling settings, later transitioning into high school counseling roles, and eventually stepping into the world of private practice. Each found fulfillment in their individual practice, but there was a quiet sense that something was missing. They shared a longing for community, collaboration, and a practice culture where clinicians would not work in isolation, but alongside one another with intention and unparalleled support. Second Story was born out of that longing.
Second Story was built on a foundation of connection - between clinicians, within our professional community, and inside the therapy room itself.
This foundation shapes the care provided: relational, thoughtful, and deeply human.
Together, they envisioned Second Story as more than a shared office space. It is a therapy collective rooted in collaboration, excellence, and care for clients and clinicians alike.
more about
Sarah Nelms
Sarah Nelms brings a grounded, compassionate presence to her work with men, couples, and individuals navigating trauma and life transitions. She is especially attuned to the ways emotional experiences, identity, and life transitions intersect, offering care that is both steady and deeply validating.
more about
Sarah Oldendorf
Sarah Oldendorf specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with couples, along with trauma and relational work with individuals. Her approach is attachment-focused and experiential, helping clients better understand their patterns, emotions, and longings for connection in a way that creates insight and offers genuine relief.