Christian Therapists in Columbia, SC
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 13 years of experience in the behavioral health field. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma, and I have experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, veterans, and families. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and understood as they navigate life’s challenges.
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 13 years of experience in the behavioral health field. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma, and I have experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, veterans, and families. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and understood as they navigate life’s challenges.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to supporting young adult and adult women through life’s challenges with a compassionate, empowering, and trauma-informed approach. I believe that healing begins in a space where you feel safe, supported, and understood, and I strive to create that environment for every client I work with. I have experience working with young adult and adult women in a correctional facility and in a private practice setting. I received my BA degree in Psychology from Columbia College and my MA degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to supporting young adult and adult women through life’s challenges with a compassionate, empowering, and trauma-informed approach. I believe that healing begins in a space where you feel safe, supported, and understood, and I strive to create that environment for every client I work with. I have experience working with young adult and adult women in a correctional facility and in a private practice setting. I received my BA degree in Psychology from Columbia College and my MA degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University.
My ideal client is an individual or couple who feels emotionally stuck despite trying to do the right things. They may be dealing with relationship conflict, communication breakdowns, anxiety, trust issues, or major life transitions. Many feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. Some want to repair their marriage; others want clarity about difficult decisions. They value honesty, structure, and growth. Some also want a space where faith can be respected or integrated into the process. Their goal is clarity, emotional stability, healthier communication, and a path forward.
My ideal client is an individual or couple who feels emotionally stuck despite trying to do the right things. They may be dealing with relationship conflict, communication breakdowns, anxiety, trust issues, or major life transitions. Many feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. Some want to repair their marriage; others want clarity about difficult decisions. They value honesty, structure, and growth. Some also want a space where faith can be respected or integrated into the process. Their goal is clarity, emotional stability, healthier communication, and a path forward.
Life can feel overwhelming at times—especially when anxiety, relationship stress, difficult transitions, or past experiences begin affecting your sense of peace and connection. I provide a warm, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward healing and growth.
I especially enjoy working with college-aged women and young adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, and the pressures of balancing academic, career, and personal expectations.
Life can feel overwhelming at times—especially when anxiety, relationship stress, difficult transitions, or past experiences begin affecting your sense of peace and connection. I provide a warm, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward healing and growth.
I especially enjoy working with college-aged women and young adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, and the pressures of balancing academic, career, and personal expectations.
This journey of life is complex with highs and lows. Your experiences are unique to you and if you've found yourself in a place of uncertainty, feeling anxious, frustrated, angry, depressed, or even grieved in navigating life's challenges, I am here to help! I am passionate about helping people discover themselves in ways that will allow them to evolve and become the version they most want to see.
This journey of life is complex with highs and lows. Your experiences are unique to you and if you've found yourself in a place of uncertainty, feeling anxious, frustrated, angry, depressed, or even grieved in navigating life's challenges, I am here to help! I am passionate about helping people discover themselves in ways that will allow them to evolve and become the version they most want to see.
Talk Trust Heal LLC Melvinik Simmons
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-CP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
What would happen this time if you could tap into your personal essence and attain a peace of mind? What would happen this time if you allowed yourself to heal from your emotional wounds? Life stressors have a way of making you feel insignificant, broken, angry, depressed and anxious. Whether you are grieving from a loss, having relationship issues, or suffering from past trauma, healing and happiness is possible. Don't suffer in silence. Find your way back to being the unique person that you are, by practicing selfcare and mind care.
What would happen this time if you could tap into your personal essence and attain a peace of mind? What would happen this time if you allowed yourself to heal from your emotional wounds? Life stressors have a way of making you feel insignificant, broken, angry, depressed and anxious. Whether you are grieving from a loss, having relationship issues, or suffering from past trauma, healing and happiness is possible. Don't suffer in silence. Find your way back to being the unique person that you are, by practicing selfcare and mind care.
Are you having trouble managing your stress or dealing with everything going on right now? You're not alone. Many people struggle with their mental health, but finding the right person to help can feel impossible. My goal is to provide a safe place where anyone can start dealing with their problems and free up more space in your mind to live and enjoy your life. I have experience helping to address depression, anxiety, history of abuse, religious trauma, and LGBTQ+ issues. All are welcome, and if I feel that another provider is a better fit I will go out of my way to help connect you.
Are you having trouble managing your stress or dealing with everything going on right now? You're not alone. Many people struggle with their mental health, but finding the right person to help can feel impossible. My goal is to provide a safe place where anyone can start dealing with their problems and free up more space in your mind to live and enjoy your life. I have experience helping to address depression, anxiety, history of abuse, religious trauma, and LGBTQ+ issues. All are welcome, and if I feel that another provider is a better fit I will go out of my way to help connect you.
Have you ever considered your life as a story? Like any good narrative, our lives have a setting, characters, themes, plot twists, beauty, and brokenness. If you were to start a reading a new book today, I would bet that you wouldn't just open up to the middle chapters, start reading, and expect it all to make sense. Likewise, in order to understand the chapter of life we currently find ourselves in, it is tremendously helpful to look at the story of our lives as a whole, from the beginning to now. As we begin to look at and reflect on our story with curiosity and self-kindness, we can begin to make profound changes in our lives.
Have you ever considered your life as a story? Like any good narrative, our lives have a setting, characters, themes, plot twists, beauty, and brokenness. If you were to start a reading a new book today, I would bet that you wouldn't just open up to the middle chapters, start reading, and expect it all to make sense. Likewise, in order to understand the chapter of life we currently find ourselves in, it is tremendously helpful to look at the story of our lives as a whole, from the beginning to now. As we begin to look at and reflect on our story with curiosity and self-kindness, we can begin to make profound changes in our lives.
On the outside, people see you as “put together”—gritty and tough, even when you don’t feel that way. But on the inside, it’s impossible to pin your symptoms to one category because you feel all of the things, sometimes all at once. Confusion, stress, pain, heartbreak, fear, loneliness, sadness, and anger have become your normal. And after everything you’ve been through, those feelings make sense.
You’re exhausted from pretending you’re okay while life feels overwhelming. When was the last time you felt confident and present—truly enough for yourself and the people you love? Maybe it’s time to feel that again.
On the outside, people see you as “put together”—gritty and tough, even when you don’t feel that way. But on the inside, it’s impossible to pin your symptoms to one category because you feel all of the things, sometimes all at once. Confusion, stress, pain, heartbreak, fear, loneliness, sadness, and anger have become your normal. And after everything you’ve been through, those feelings make sense.
You’re exhausted from pretending you’re okay while life feels overwhelming. When was the last time you felt confident and present—truly enough for yourself and the people you love? Maybe it’s time to feel that again.
Now Welcoming Clients at Our New Office Location! Weekend and evening appointments are now available for your convenience. Looking for two LPC-A's that need supervision. At some point in life, you may be faced with emotional challenges. It may feel impossible to figure out how to get your life back in order. No matter what your issues may be, you have found someone to help you get back on track. With my clients I provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment, which allows them to freely express their emotions. My passion is working with individuals that experience anxiety, depression and trauma.
Now Welcoming Clients at Our New Office Location! Weekend and evening appointments are now available for your convenience. Looking for two LPC-A's that need supervision. At some point in life, you may be faced with emotional challenges. It may feel impossible to figure out how to get your life back in order. No matter what your issues may be, you have found someone to help you get back on track. With my clients I provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment, which allows them to freely express their emotions. My passion is working with individuals that experience anxiety, depression and trauma.
You've probably been holding it together for a long time. Maybe anxiety keeps you up at night, or you're still carrying grief that nobody around you knows how to talk about. Maybe your family feels fractured, or the anger and stress you're managing daily is starting to take a real toll. If you've been looking for a Black woman therapist in South Carolina — someone who won't talk down to you, won't give you a script, and will actually meet you where you are — I want to hear from you. I've spent over 30 years working with people dealing with depression, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, relationship issues, and so much more.
You've probably been holding it together for a long time. Maybe anxiety keeps you up at night, or you're still carrying grief that nobody around you knows how to talk about. Maybe your family feels fractured, or the anger and stress you're managing daily is starting to take a real toll. If you've been looking for a Black woman therapist in South Carolina — someone who won't talk down to you, won't give you a script, and will actually meet you where you are — I want to hear from you. I've spent over 30 years working with people dealing with depression, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, relationship issues, and so much more.
None of us are immune from the hardships life throws at us. We are often thrown into situations that we have limited control over and, sometimes, we may need help navigating the challenges that come our way. No matter what concerns you are bringing to the table, counseling can be a great way to experience lasting change and healing. If you are ready to put in the time and energy to dig into the root of your issues and to be the best possible version of yourself, please give me a call today!
None of us are immune from the hardships life throws at us. We are often thrown into situations that we have limited control over and, sometimes, we may need help navigating the challenges that come our way. No matter what concerns you are bringing to the table, counseling can be a great way to experience lasting change and healing. If you are ready to put in the time and energy to dig into the root of your issues and to be the best possible version of yourself, please give me a call today!
You’ve worked hard to build a life, but deep down, the weight of old wounds still lingers. Growing up with family stress, facing betrayal, or surviving toxic relationships has left its mark. You might find yourself juggling professional demands while carrying private battles – feeling unseen, unheard, or questioning your worth. The outside world sees a strong woman, but inside, it’s exhausting to keep it all together. With so much stress, loss, and change, every day is a struggle to keep up and remain true to yourself. You long for peace, clarity, and a safe, judgment-free space where you’ll be understood so you can heal.
You’ve worked hard to build a life, but deep down, the weight of old wounds still lingers. Growing up with family stress, facing betrayal, or surviving toxic relationships has left its mark. You might find yourself juggling professional demands while carrying private battles – feeling unseen, unheard, or questioning your worth. The outside world sees a strong woman, but inside, it’s exhausting to keep it all together. With so much stress, loss, and change, every day is a struggle to keep up and remain true to yourself. You long for peace, clarity, and a safe, judgment-free space where you’ll be understood so you can heal.
Jessica Fox - (re)flourish counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
2 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29204
Waitlist for new clients
I help women and children who just haven’t felt like themselves lately; fatigued, moody, anxious, stressed. You used to feel like you were thriving in life, and then depression or anxiety crept in. You look back and wonder what changed and are unsure how to get back to feeling like your best self, or just YOU again. Or maybe it's your "once-so-sweet" child who is acting out or fearful and stressed all the time. Problems in school, lack of focus, and behavioral changes can all be part of stress, depression, or anxiety - not your parenting! Through supportive counseling, we can help you or your child RE-flourish in life.
I help women and children who just haven’t felt like themselves lately; fatigued, moody, anxious, stressed. You used to feel like you were thriving in life, and then depression or anxiety crept in. You look back and wonder what changed and are unsure how to get back to feeling like your best self, or just YOU again. Or maybe it's your "once-so-sweet" child who is acting out or fearful and stressed all the time. Problems in school, lack of focus, and behavioral changes can all be part of stress, depression, or anxiety - not your parenting! Through supportive counseling, we can help you or your child RE-flourish in life.
My counseling style is to connect a client’s goals and hopeful outcomes with the realities of what brought them to counseling and to partner with them to see current breakthroughs as well and a healthy and productive future. I'm excited to work with multi-cultural clients in individual counseling sessions on social-emotional issues, grief and loss, sudden life changes, mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, career counseling, and marriage/family counseling. My hope is that with my support a client will hopefully change their current reality in a space where it’s okay to not be okay.
My counseling style is to connect a client’s goals and hopeful outcomes with the realities of what brought them to counseling and to partner with them to see current breakthroughs as well and a healthy and productive future. I'm excited to work with multi-cultural clients in individual counseling sessions on social-emotional issues, grief and loss, sudden life changes, mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, career counseling, and marriage/family counseling. My hope is that with my support a client will hopefully change their current reality in a space where it’s okay to not be okay.
Cheryl Simms, LPC, LAC
Licensed in South Carolina & Virginia
With 16 years of experience as a counselor, I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with resilience and hope. I specialize in trauma, substance use,depression, anxiety, family dynamics, and child/adolescent concerns. I am EMDR-trained and have extensive experience supporting military service members and their families.My clients describe me as warm, caring, and empowering. I bring a calm, grounded presence to the therapy room and believe in helping people find clarity, strength, and healing.
Cheryl Simms, LPC, LAC
Licensed in South Carolina & Virginia
With 16 years of experience as a counselor, I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with resilience and hope. I specialize in trauma, substance use,depression, anxiety, family dynamics, and child/adolescent concerns. I am EMDR-trained and have extensive experience supporting military service members and their families.My clients describe me as warm, caring, and empowering. I bring a calm, grounded presence to the therapy room and believe in helping people find clarity, strength, and healing.
Couples don’t usually need a better argument. They need a better process. I help couples break negative cycles, reduce escalation, rebuild trust, and restore real connection. This includes communication breakdown, emotional distance, recurring conflict, and trust injuries. I also work with men who feel stuck in stress, anger, emotional shutdown, anxiety, and repeating trauma-related patterns. Sessions are structured and practical. We slow things down, identify patterns driving the problem, and build a clear plan you can use outside of therapy. If you want a therapist who is direct, respectful, and result-focused, I can help.
Couples don’t usually need a better argument. They need a better process. I help couples break negative cycles, reduce escalation, rebuild trust, and restore real connection. This includes communication breakdown, emotional distance, recurring conflict, and trust injuries. I also work with men who feel stuck in stress, anger, emotional shutdown, anxiety, and repeating trauma-related patterns. Sessions are structured and practical. We slow things down, identify patterns driving the problem, and build a clear plan you can use outside of therapy. If you want a therapist who is direct, respectful, and result-focused, I can help.
Nicole Kinney
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, NCC
Columbia, SC 29203
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! Life presents all sorts of difficulties, but you don’t have to face them alone. We were meant to be in connection to support each other through our challenges. I enjoy working with adult clients facing a range of concerns. I have a passion for working with those who have faced difficulty in their religious communities and faith journey. I have also worked with clients facing a range of issues including mood disorders, career development, relational concerns, and identity development.
Welcome! Life presents all sorts of difficulties, but you don’t have to face them alone. We were meant to be in connection to support each other through our challenges. I enjoy working with adult clients facing a range of concerns. I have a passion for working with those who have faced difficulty in their religious communities and faith journey. I have also worked with clients facing a range of issues including mood disorders, career development, relational concerns, and identity development.
As a military veteran and Licensed Professional Counselor, I understand life circumstances can often leave you feeling overwhelmed and at times defeated. These emotional struggles do not have to be permanent. I strongly believe with compassion, encouragement, and vulnerability an individual can overcome life's hurdles and reach their fullest potential. I assist clients with setting realistic therapeutic goals which ultimately restores their confidence and trust not only in themselves but in others as well. My approach is to provide each client with the effective techniques required to have a well-balanced self-empowered life.
As a military veteran and Licensed Professional Counselor, I understand life circumstances can often leave you feeling overwhelmed and at times defeated. These emotional struggles do not have to be permanent. I strongly believe with compassion, encouragement, and vulnerability an individual can overcome life's hurdles and reach their fullest potential. I assist clients with setting realistic therapeutic goals which ultimately restores their confidence and trust not only in themselves but in others as well. My approach is to provide each client with the effective techniques required to have a well-balanced self-empowered life.
Life can feel overwhelming, and finding the right support can make all the difference. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or navigating major life transitions, I offer a compassionate and client-centered approach to help you gain clarity and confidence. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes. With a background in mental health and social work, I bring a unique perspective that blends evidence-based strategies with a deep understanding of individual and systemic challenges.
Life can feel overwhelming, and finding the right support can make all the difference. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or navigating major life transitions, I offer a compassionate and client-centered approach to help you gain clarity and confidence. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes. With a background in mental health and social work, I bring a unique perspective that blends evidence-based strategies with a deep understanding of individual and systemic challenges.
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See More Christian Therapists FAQ - About Christian Counselling
What can a Christian therapist help with?
Many Christian counselors incorporate faith-based principles into psychotherapy and draw guidance from biblical writings. This approach may be particularly helpful if you are experiencing concerns related to faith, prolonged grief, substance use, or questions about life’s purpose. Christian therapists may also offer marital, premarital, or family counseling. These can be helpful options if your concerns are more relational in nature, such as communication challenges in a marriage, conflict within a family, or adjustment following a major family transition, such as divorce or a move.
How does Christian faith shape the therapy experience?
Christian faith can shape the therapy experience by giving you a familiar framework for discussing meaning, purpose, forgiveness, relationships, and hope in sessions. For clients who want faith included in therapy, a Christian therapist may draw on Christian values, prayer, or spiritual reflection alongside other therapeutic approaches. In addition, while training, qualifications, and experience are always important, research has shown that a strong alliance between you and your therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic success. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who not only is responsive to questions and concerns, but also shares a client’s faith and values. Nevertheless, an ethical Christian therapist should be clear about how they incorporate faith and should respect the level of spiritual discussion that feels right for you.
Does Christian therapy work across different denominations?
Christian therapy can be helpful for people from various different Christian traditions, including Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, and Anglican backgrounds. Many Christian therapists are able to support clients across denominations by focusing on shared Christian values, such as faith, prayer, forgiveness, and hope. That said, denomination can matter for some clients. A person’s identified denomination may shape how they understand relationships and life roles. If these differences are important to you, it may be helpful to ask a therapist whether they have experience working with clients from your specific denomination or faith tradition.
Can a Christian therapist help with marriage and couples counseling?
Christian faith-based therapy can take many different forms, including marriage counseling and couples counseling. Some therapists may also offer Christian pre-marital counseling. In these settings, Christian therapists may work with couples on concerns such as communication, conflict, trust, intimacy, parenting, and major life transitions. A Christian therapist may also help couples explore how shared Christian beliefs shape the relationship. They may encourage you and your partner to practice skills learned in therapy in your everyday lives, including both faith-based practices and non-faith-based tools, such as prayer or communication skills.
Can a Christian therapist help with sensitive issues like sex, trauma, or addiction?
Licensed therapists with adequate training should be equipped to help with a number of sensitive issues, including sex, trauma, and addiction. For clients who want faith included in therapy, a Christian therapist may help explore how your spiritual beliefs relate to your challenges, healing, and recovery. A competent and ethical Christian therapist should not judge, shame, or impose a particular belief when discussing these topics, and if you feel judged, it may be time to seek another therapist.
How can a Christian therapist support family therapy?
Christian family therapy can help families address conflict, communication challenges, parenting concerns, grief, or adjustment following a major life transition. A Christian therapist may support family members in understanding one another’s perspectives, improving communication, setting healthier boundaries, and rebuilding trust. For families who want faith included in therapy, a Christian therapist may also help explore how family values related to Christianity can support healing.
How might I inquire about a therapist's experience working with Christian clients?
If religion is important to you in therapy, it can be helpful to ask a prospective therapist whether they have experience working with Christian clients. In initial conversations with potential therapists, you might ask how they incorporate Christian values into therapy or how they approach certain topics that matter to you. As sessions begin, it can be helpful to notice how the therapist responds to your concerns. A strong therapeutic alliance does not necessarily require a therapist to share your religious background, but they should respond to your concerns with respect and cultural humility. If you feel dismissed, misunderstood, or find yourself having to explain your beliefs constantly, it may be worth considering another therapist.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Christian therapists?
The directory of Christian therapists includes professionals who have shared their background in their profiles and have identified as Christian. It shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Christian clients, regardless of their own background or religious affiliation. However, not all therapists choose to disclose this information, and they may not appear in search results for this reason.