Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Columbia, SC

*Patricia provides EMDR in-person at the West Columbia, SC location*

Patricia Card is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 6 years of experience in the mental health profession and many life experiences which have enabled her to provide empathy, unconditional positive regard, and acceptance for each client’s perspective. Patricia aspires to provide a safe space for individuals to realize their present and future potential through acknowledgment of past realities, and recognition of hope for the present and future. Patricia believes the client is the expert regarding their life and promotes clients to take control over their life to elevate themselves and build healthy relationships with others. Patricia specializes in trauma, life stressors, negative cognitive beliefs, women's issues, and substance use. This experience drove a special force within Patricia which has empowered her to encourage others to explore their own journey toward peace and happiness.

Patricia graduated with a degree in Public Relations from the University of North Texas and thereafter worked her way up in the field of property management. After years of doing the expected, she decided to be the person she was meant to be and help enable passion within others. With this goal in mind, Patricia embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal development. Patricia gained a yoga teaching certification in 2014 and thereafter entered Nova Southeastern University to pursue her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling (Graduation 2019). Subsequently, she began working at The Pride Center at Equality Park as a Testing & Outreach Specialist, gained internships at substance abuse and dual-diagnosis facilities, and worked as an independent contractor. Additionally, Patricia was provoked by her experience and education to obtain her certifications in other beneficial techniques which she utilizes, such as Solution Focused Coaching, and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). Presently, Patricia promotes transformation within her clients using a fusion of Cognitive Behavioral, EMDR, Jungian, Meditation, Solution-Focused, and Yoga therapies.

Acknowledgment of the past for its reality and enabling the present and the future for what it may be. If you find yourself trapped by the confines of societal standards and inaccurate beliefs, begin the journey into your own mind to reawaken your authentic self and heal with Patricia today.

Dr. Dalicia Watson is a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 6 years of experience. Dr. Watson began her social work career as a case manager at the Department of Social Services, working with abused and neglected children and adults. Dr. Watson had the opportunity to work with clients who suffered from depression and/or anxiety, victims of domestic violence, and clients with ADHD. Dr. Watson also has experience working with clients who experience grief, self-esteem, suicidal ideations, stress, and time management.

Dr. Watson's goal for all of her clients is to help them to maintain a mentally healthy and safe lifestyle. Dr. Watson allows the clients to be the experts in their sessions, which helps the clients be in charge of what they would like to fix and work on. She feels that having the clients as the experts helps the clients to see the growth within themselves.

Dr. Watson helps make therapy a safe space for clients to come and let it all out. Dr. Watson meets clients on their level and grows with the client as the client improves through treatment.

Brittany Aiken is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 3 years of experience in mental health. She currently specializes in helping people dealing with symptoms of depression and anxiety due to various life changes. She creates a safe environment for you to talk about the things that are going on, assists you in determining what your goals for therapy are, and, through collaboration, helps you figure out changes that will work to accomplish those goals. During your time together, you and Brittany will build a rapport that will make you feel comfortable sharing, supported, and enthusiastic about the changes you've made.

Brittany utilizes a holistic approach, incorporating different techniques that may be beneficial to your personal needs. Additionally, she implements cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, person-centered techniques, and culturally sensitive therapy techniques.

Therapy is not a "one size fits all" type of situation. You are unique and your needs should be addressed based on you only. In order for therapy to be effective, you must be committed to the process and open to trying new things.

Lauren Lollar is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 3 years of experience in mental health care. Lauren is a certified trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy specialist and enjoys working with others to process their trauma. She has extensive knowledge of early childhood development and wants to support children and families experiencing both mental health and life changes. She is well-versed in working with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders and passionately advocates for those with substance use disorders and their families. Lauren completed her master’s in social work (LMSW) at the University of South Carolina.

Through her work with children and families, Lauren has built extensive skills utilizing family systems therapy. She is certified in early diagnostics for children 0-5. Lauren is also certified in motivational interviewing and uses it in a wide array of therapeutic areas including mood, substance use, and other disorders.

We all go through challenging life experiences and need support. Lauren is confident in her ability to support you through these times and gain new coping skills to assist you through it. If you want to be supported and find new ways to take on your life's challenges, please reach out to schedule an appointment today.

Lee Edwards obtained his Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts and his Master’s in Counseling from the University of North Texas. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina with 12 years of experience as a Counselor helping individuals overcome the barriers presented by depression, anxiety, anger issues, and vocational dissatisfaction. He has also assisted couples in managing the complexities of relationships and aided Law Enforcement Officers in contending with the difficulties encountered because of their vocation. Lee utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential Psychotherapy, relaxation & meditation techniques, and anger management processes to aid individuals and couples with movement toward their goals. As a military veteran and former law enforcement officer, he also has a good understanding of individuals who have chosen professions with unique challenges. Lee seeks to create a safe and trusting environment for you so that you can identify and move toward your goals, allowing you to pursue a life that is meaningful to you.

Robert McCloy is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 6 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life’s most complex emotional and psychological challenges. His specialties include trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, low self-esteem, grief, life transitions, and relational concerns. He also offers expert guidance to parents seeking effective discipline strategies and works skillfully with children navigating behavioral and developmental hurdles.

Robert holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. He utilizes a client-centered, integrative approach, fostering trust and emotional safety while applying evidence-based techniques tailored to each individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.

Clients working with Robert often find a steady ally and someone who listens deeply, responds with empathy, and helps illuminate the path toward healing and growth. He creates a space where individuals feel empowered to be fully themselves and to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Candace Cox is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 6 years of experience working with clients of all ages who are struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, and anger issues due to work, family, school issues, or relationship dysfunction with their significant others. Candace also likes to help her clients by educating and teaching techniques to help alleviate some of the symptoms they are encountering.

Candace earned her Master's degree in Counseling from Webster University. She finds it particularly rewarding working with young people to help change their outlook on school, grades, and peer pressure. She has worked as part of a team with parents, teachers, and administrative staff to provide the appropriate level of therapy for the desired change in behavior. Candace ensures that every client is able to talk and reveal as much or as little as they feel comfortable doing. 

Candace strives to help you to envision and reflect on your life. She can uniquely assist you with her person-centered approach that relies on the principles of cognitive behavior therapy. Everyone needs someone to talk to, sometimes to just listen, and sometimes for sound advice or guidance.

As a woman and a veteran, Candace is well aware that life can present us with challenges and barriers that we sometimes need assistance with getting through.

Melissa is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has worked to manage a wide variety of mental health concerns such as crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, ADHD, school and social issues, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, caregiver's fatigue, and addiction disorders. She is easy to talk to and helps you feel comfortable with sharing to best manage your mental and emotional health. She is compassionate in providing comprehensive mental health services to all ages. Melissa's role as a PMHNP includes medication manager, therapist, educator, and mental health advocate.

Melissa holds a Master's in Nursing (MSN) from Walden University and a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Campbell University. With more than 18 years of counseling and nursing experience, Melissa provides clients with medication management, incorporates various therapeutic techniques to improve mental health, and stays updated on current trends.

"Life is a challenge. It’s okay not to be okay. You have faced things that you never thought you would have to face over the last few years," says Melissa. She can assist you with managing or balancing your life's expedition, to create or reconnect with your better self. If you are ready to take the next steps to wellness, schedule an appointment with Melissa today!