Our therapists offer addiction counseling in Charleston, SC

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.

I am a licensed professional counselor with 9 years of experience supporting clients through anxiety, depression, addiction, lgbtqia+ concerns, life transitions, and self-esteem challenges. I take an open-minded and eclectic approach to treatment, drawing from cbt, motivational interviewing, and person-centered strategies to help clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to explore their experiences without judgment.

I hold a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of South Carolina. My background includes adlerian theory and a range of evidence-based interventions that help clients examine where unhelpful thoughts originate and how to replace them with healthier beliefs and choices.

I am here to support you with compassion and collaboration. Wherever you are starting from, whatever you have experienced, and whatever goals you’re working toward, we can walk through it together. I would be honored to be part of your growth and help you move toward a more grounded, hopeful version of yourself.

Austin Faulk is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in treating depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, addictions, grief, men’s issues, and more in adolescents, teens, and adults. Austin works with clients who are ready to begin their journey toward self-actualization.

Austin completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. He assists his clients by providing a safe, non-judgmental space for them to process their experiences, thoughts, feelings, situations, and behaviors. Austin upholds strict client confidentiality, offers unconditional positive regard for each person, and treats his clients with the utmost respect. He enjoys clients who are motivated to put in the necessary work in order to achieve their own state of mental wellbeing.

Austin seeks to walk alongside you, kindly offering you his encouragement, knowledge, and assistance as you navigate life’s many twists and turns. Deciding to start therapy can be an uncomfortable and scary decision to make. There is no shame in admitting to yourself that you need help. Austin employs an eclectic style of therapy, in which several modalities of therapy are drawn upon to best service each client’s unique needs. Together, as counselor and client, you will be able to process whatever life throws your way, develop a treatment plan that works for you, and begin your journey towards mental health.

Matthew Leazer is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 6 years of experience helping clients reclaim their narrative and prioritize their well-being. He believes that therapy is a collaborative space where clients are empowered to be the protagonists in their stories. Matthew strives to create a non-judgmental environment that fosters openness, empathy, and meaningful change for those navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, and life transitions.

Matthew earned his Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. He incorporates evidence-based approaches to support clients in identifying their goals, developing personalized strategies, and overcoming challenges. He has experience working with adolescents, adults, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Matthew helps clients recognize their strengths and use them to reach personal goals. He empowers individuals to define their own path, supporting them as they work toward the quality of life they deserve. His warm, collaborative style encourages self-discovery and lasting growth through active participation in the healing process.

Howard Malpass is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Supervisor (LPC-S), and Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) who has over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. Howard's initial 5 years of counseling were as a substance abuse counselor in the U.S. Navy. After retiring from the military, he worked within the substance use disorder and behavioral health fields as a counselor and clinical supervisor. Howard has worked with adolescents in a children's home environment (using mainly experiential therapy); worked with individuals, couples, and families; led Women's Intensive Outpatient AOD groups, multi-family groups, Life Skills groups, Mens' Sexual Addiction groups (in a Christian setting), aftercare groups, and many more.

Howard completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling at Webster University. He is trained in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational behavior therapy, family systems therapy, experiential therapy, person-centered therapy, modified-interpersonal group therapy, and more. Howard utilizes a strength-based perspective, collaborating with clients to find out what works best for them, allowing them to decide how they want to proceed, and supporting them in the process. All of his clients are ideal clients because he realizes that we are all humans with issues and needs. Howard is willing to work with any client with any need, but realizes his limitations and refers clients elsewhere before attempting to counsel them outside of his clinical experience.

Howard operates from a holistic perspective, recognizing that there is more to a person than just mental, emotional, and physical components. He also understands that behaviors are forms of communication and symptoms of deeper, underlying issues. Howard’s ability to use experiential techniques creates a unique environment that enables clients to engage in more than just "talk" therapy to help get to the "root" of those issues, so that they can learn and practice new life skills to assist them in their personal growth and healing. His use of motivational interviewing integrated with different therapeutic approaches, enhances the therapeutic relationship process, helping clients to move forward faster as they feel more invested in the process.

Howard seeks to meet clients where they are at and walk with them to assist with navigating through the ups and downs of their life journey. We all struggle at times as we journey through life. Our struggles often tend to isolate us from those who love and care about us, leading us into deeper levels of isolation and despair. Counseling can help to restore our sense of self and our supportive relationships. It reminds us that we are not alone and have intrinsic value that contributes to our wholeness, as well as the wholeness of society. Howard’s hope and desire is to be one of the links that reconnect you to your whole self and those you need in your life to support you in being the best "you" you can be. You are worth it!