Strength-Based Therapists in Berkeley County, SC

My ideal client is the person who feels helpless and hopeless. The child or adult who is anxious and afraid they will never get better. I want to show them that there IS help and hope. They fear they won’t get better, but want to. They are willing to do whatever it takes to get better. Also those dealing with grief. I want to walk with them and guide them in their journey. They will always grieve, but it won’t always consume their lives. The teen girl who is anxious and has low self-esteem. She needs to learn her values and strengths. She will grow to love who she is and not be afraid to be her authentic self.

My goal in working with you is to support you in processing your life experiences and to empower you through the use of relevant therapeutic resources. These resources could include: cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, art therapy, meditation/flow state, solution-focused therapy, and positive psychology. As a therapist, I also believe that taking a holistic approach is incredibly important to personal growth, which means examining all parts of your life: spiritual, physical, mental, nutritional, and relational.

I am currently accepting new clients and offer a free, 15-minute consultation to explore your needs and see if I am the right fit for your healing journey! I am eager to work with clients who are ready to make changes in their lives and strengthen their mental health. My goal is for you to feel supported while you work on becoming the version of yourself you feel is the most authentic, genuine, and comfortable in your humanness.

Welcome. Unfortunately, we are not often taught how to process emotions healthily, nor are we given the skills to help facilitate this. My unique approach includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and providing actionable skills that clients can use right away. Paired with my strength-based expertise in working with teens and adults, I feel I have a unique approach that helps clients identify and build on their strengths, clarify their purpose if so desired, and then work to build a skill set that allows them to handle challenges that come their way. Thus, allowing for reduced stress, improved relationships, and a more fulfilled life.

I would not say that I have an ideal client. I strive to meet my clients wherever they are at and go at the pace set by each client, as I believe that my clients know best about what they need and how to get there. My role is that of helping them untangle all of the thoughts and things that have gotten them to where they are and help them untangle them so that they can "see through the tangled mess" and I can help them formulate a path out.

As a trauma therapist, I work with clients to develop healthy coping strategies to promote wellness as it relates to the impact of trauma or stressful experiences from the past. I typically incorporate various techniques including art, nature, and breath-work into traditional evidence based therapies. I will start by asking you to think about what you will be doing, thinking, and feeling differently when you don't need therapy anymore. We can then collaborate to create a roadmap to meet your goals. Sometimes even thinking about the end goal can be scary; that's ok, we can figure it out together!

**ONLINE THERAPY ONLY** Are you struggling with issues related to depression, trauma, grief, anxiety, or major life changes? Or maybe you are having relationship problems. If you can relate, then it is time to unload & reset your mind, body & soul. The bag of stressors that we carry on a day to day basis can become burdensome and overwhelming. Here at Open Arms Therapy, we open that bag and help you unload all of the things that have been holding you back from being free and finding your happiness. I am ready to walk this journey with you, so let's get started with unloading your bag, resetting your mind and protecting your peace.

Is your relationship struggling and you are considering couples counseling? All relationships go through rough patches but sometimes we need help from an objective outsider who can offer insight and direction on how to move beyond past hurts and move towards a relationship with better communication and respect for each other's differences. Or is it that you have been feeling so much anxiety, stress, and depression that you feel you have no idea how to manage your daily emotions? We all have times where we need a supportive person and someone to help empower us to get back to our best self.

Are negative past experiences impacting the way you view yourself and how you interact with others? Do you feel alone with your problems, or stuck in patterns of behavior that are self-defeating? Trauma, anxiety, or depression may be getting in the way of your happiness and growth.You can learn to live without the constant nagging and badgering of perfectionism, people pleasing, anxiety and depression. You can implement healthy boundaries that support the life you want to be living. I use evidence-based practices, rooted in compassion and empathy, to help you find healing and a feeling of empowerment. You deserve to enjoy your life.

Each person who walks into my office is unique and deserves kindness, respect, and to feel heard. My first goal is to meet my clients where they are and to provide them with the support they need to change their lives. My hope is that through creating a positive, nonjudgmental, and safe environment, my clients are able to discover the tools and insights they need to thrive.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!!!!I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker of Clinical Practice (LISW-CP). I am also credentialed with the Addictions Professionals of South Carolina as a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC). My approach to therapy is to create a trauma informed environment in which you will feel safe to share your authentic experiences with me, however difficult it may be. My therapeutic approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, attachment theory, and emotions focused therapy. I want to help you process emotions and experiences while also remaining solution oriented.

The motivating factor for me to keep doing what I do is seeing the positive changes in individuals from learning and applying healthy coping skills in order to get to the heart of the matter.

Have you been to therapy before and feel like you are back to square one in dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions or adult/young adult struggles? Has life turned out very different than you imagined? Do you feel like it's a battle every day in parenting or do you have an adolescent who needs the help of a counselor? Are you looking for longer term relief from pain or anxiety that seems to come back? If so, you have found the right place. Whether you are new to counseling or not, we will work together through individualized, evidenced based techniques to help you from session ONE. Brighter days await you!

Often times, people have a preconceived notion of what therapy is, and what it is not, which may raise questions such as "Can therapy truly help me or my loved one?" and “Will my therapist really understand who I am and where I would like to go?”. To those questions, I can say, yes! Therapy is often described as a journey, and getting started can help you or your loved one get to the desired destination. I hope that I can assist in this deep process, especially knowing how scary this can be for so many of all ages!

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck repeating the same self defeating thoughts and behaviors? Maybe you feel like you are on auto-pilot, just existing trying to get through the day. You know you are not feeling or being your best self but aren’t sure how to take the next step. You’ve tried so many times before and you’re exhausted. Are you impacted by trauma and feel like you can’t move forward, express your needs or act in alignment with your values? You have things to say but don’t feel empowered to speak your truth and set boundaries that support your well being and personal goals. Have you been impacted by religious trauma?

CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!! I am part of the Foundations Counseling and Wellness Center, LLC team of clinicians! I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and currently in process of obtaining my LISW-CP. I am also trained in EMDR. I believe counseling is a collaborative process that allows individuals to increase self-awareness and strengthen their “tool boxes” in order to accomplish goals and have more meaningful life experiences. I enjoy working with individuals across the lifespan, particularly focusing on those with anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, marital and grief/loss.

If you’re on this page, it’s likely life has dealt you a challenging blow. Maybe it’s been a culmination of trials over many years or a singular event that leveled you in one fell swoop. You’re not alone. Life may have knocked you down, but it is my passion and privilege to help you get back up again. I believe in your innate ability to heal and grow, and as your counselor, I will nurture this resilience. I will come alongside you in the healing process and provide therapeutic, evidence-based support.

I began my career as an inpatient clinician and hospital social worker serving all ages, a variety of mental health issues, backgrounds, genders, and economic disparities. My primary focus as a hospital social worker was on the Labor and Delivery Unit as a support for new parents, particularly mothers. I also worked in the NICU supporting parents of premature babies. I’m extremely passionate about perinatal and postpartum mental health! Maternal mental health is no longer taking a back burner!

Are you struggling with high levels of anxiety and stress? Are you dealing with difficulties in your relationships, both personally and professionally? Are you struggling with your sense of identity, childhood trauma or relationships? Or is life just "life-ing" and you want a safe space to process through your thoughts and emotions? If so, I may the Therapist for you!