Therapy in Charleston and Mount Pleasant, SC

A smiling man with glasses in a blue shirt sitting on a wooden platform outdoors, holding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog.

Anxiety, Perfectionism, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Therapy in Charleston and Mount Pleasant, SC

Anxiety can be a love-hate relationship. On one hand, it’s a natural human response that helps us stay alert and safe. On the other hand, when anxiety becomes overwhelming, it can take control of our thoughts, emotions, and even our daily lives. As a therapist who loves working with clients across Charleston and Mount Pleasant, I see anxiety not just as something to get rid of, but as something we can learn from and even befriend.

Some anxiety is actually good—it motivates us, helps us prepare for challenges, and keeps us safe. But when that same anxiety starts to feel constant or uncontrollable, it can make even simple tasks feel impossible. Maybe you’ve found yourself stuck in a cycle of worrying, overthinking, or trying to “fix” everything before you can relax. Or maybe you feel that sense of dread that never quite goes away, no matter how hard you try to shake it. If that sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone—and more importantly, that change is absolutely possible.

My approach to anxiety therapy focuses on getting to know your anxiety, rather than fighting against it. I believe that by understanding how anxiety shows up in your body and mind, you can start to change your relationship with it. Together, we’ll explore ways to make anxiety your ally, not your enemy.

While my foundation is in Person-Centered Therapy, I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). CBT helps you recognize and reframe unhelpful thought patterns that fuel anxiety. ACT, on the other hand, teaches you to accept your internal experiences and take action based on your values, even when anxiety is present. Combining these approaches allows us to tailor your sessions to your unique needs and goals.

During our work together, we’ll focus on practical tools to help you manage your symptoms—whether it’s learning to calm your mind, set healthy boundaries, or build confidence in uncertain situations. Therapy isn’t about eliminating anxiety altogether—it’s about learning to live a full, meaningful life even when anxiety shows up.

I believe once we learn to differentiate the “good” anxiety that keeps us alert from the “bad” anxiety that holds us back, the sky truly is the limit. You don’t have to let anxiety run your life. With the right support, understanding, and tools, you can regain control and rediscover a sense of peace and balance.

If you’re ready to take that first step toward change, I would love nothing more than to help you along the way. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward healing.

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog walking on a wooden path with a person. The person is visible from the waist down, wearing dark jeans and brown shoes, surrounded by trees and shrubbery.

Trauma and Self-Esteem

If I could only have one area of interest, it would be trauma. I firmly believe that the way we view ourselves and the world comes from our experiences, for better or worse. Due to this, trauma can give us scary messages, create self-sabotage, and prevent us from being our authentic selves. If we can process our trauma, write our own narrative and not the one we think is there, we begin to see our self-worth. Once we are able to see our worth, our lives become more at peace, and we can regulate our emotions and become more at peace with ourselves. I enjoy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Gestalt, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and pulling from Emotional-Focused Therapy. As your therapist, I will hold space for you during these times, but will help you feel empowered and rewarded on this journey.

A man in a blue checkered shirt walking outdoors in a field with tall grass, smiling and looking to the side during sunset.

Having worked in higher education for around a decade, I’m aware that college can be an exciting time for many, but it can also be overwhelming. It’s the first time leaving the nest, trying to make friends, and not knowing who to turn to when you’re used to having your “go-to people.” Additionally, getting to the end of college can be bittersweet, making us say to ourselves, “Oh shoot, I’m really going to be an adult now, how does adulting even work?” College is a time when young adults are trying to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. With so many parts, it can be overwhelming where to begin. If you’re a college student, don’t be hesitant to reach out. I hold a special place in my heart for college students and would love to support you on your journey. From my time living in Charleston and employment at College of Charleston, I have several years of experience working with students throughout the Charleston and Mount Pleasant area. Being a therapist for college students is something I find an honor and a privilege.

College Students

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sitting on a wooden platform outdoors with greenery and trees in the background, bathed in warm sunlight.

Although I love helping with all kinds of grief, I hold a special place for those who have recently lost a furry companion. If you need support in processing this, don’t be hesitant to reach out. I always try to leave room for someone who has lost a pet, even if it’s only for a few sessions. As a therapist, I try to keep connections with the Charleston and Mount Pleasant vet clinics. I work closely with Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital as Charlie is a patient there himself.

The loss of a loved one can be difficult. It is confusing because so many complex emotions can happen that we don’t understand, making us stuck. Grief can make us feel things we don’t want to feel, such as sadness, anger, and shame, or even cause us to go numb because we are scared we will get flooded by these intense emotions. Grieving can make us feel we are a burden to others, especially when we are trying to get unstuck and don’t know what to do. I love using a person-centered approach by providing unconditional positive regard to the person sitting with me, so they can feel safe to share and process these feelings with someone.

Grief

Beach with sandy shore, gentle waves, and a calm ocean under a clear sky.

Pornography Usage

Many individuals, especially males, feel deeply ashamed to address this with loved ones, making them suffer in silence. It can feel as if they were holding a deep, dark secret, and if they’re exposed, their world would crumble. If you are someone who feels this way, let’s talk. I believe it’s also important to discuss sex positivity, as this can help clients gain further insight into their needs.

I have found using Motivational Interviewing to be a productive way in helping clients create change and decrease their usage. I also like to pull from other theories such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, so clients can reflect their usage in a “play by play” perspective.

Disclosure: While I welcome clients from all walks of life, I do not offer services for court-mandated treatment or work with individuals involved in the legal system for sexual offenses, including sex offender treatment. If in need for a clinician that can provide these services, I am happy to provide a referral in the Charleston and Mount Pleasant community. I’m also not a certified sex-therapist.

A man in glasses and a light blue shirt sitting on a wooden bench outdoors, holding a puppy and leaning in to give it a kiss, with trees in the background.

LGBTQ+

In the Mount Pleasant and Charleston community, I understand the challenges that many gay and LGBTQ males can face within the community. As someone who identifies as part of this community, my heart goes out to those who might be struggling with their sexual identity. Like many others, I also grew up in the south and dealt with the hardships that come with this identity. If you’re someone trying to discover your sexual identity or expression, let’s talk. I find it an honor to hold space for those wanting to explore who they are, and support those wanting to love and accept themselves in their entirety. It would be an honor to hold space for you as your therapist while you discover this part of your identity or need support in your journey in becoming your authentic self.