Our therapists in Columbia, SC offer stress management therapy

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.

I’m a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice with 13 years of experience supporting adults, couples, and families as they navigate trauma, depression, and anxiety. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward, and together we work toward clarity, understanding, and meaningful change.

I earned a Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University. I use a client-centered and integrative approach to help clients rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships, and find lasting peace. My work focuses on uncovering patterns, healing emotional wounds, and fostering self-trust in a supportive and compassionate space.

I know how hard it can be to carry everything alone. You deserve the time and space to breathe, heal, and feel like yourself again. When you’re ready, let’s take the next step toward your peace together.

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.

Susan Boykin is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 40 years of experience in helping people live a fulfilling life. Susan completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Drew University and her Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at the University of South Carolina. Personal life experiences and years of practice have made her a seasoned therapist.

Susan believes therapy is a partnership based on warmth, compassion, and kindness. Her focus is on providing a safe and nonjudgmental relationship in which difficult thoughts and feelings are listened to. Susan knows a wide range of mental health approaches and uses these to design the best care for each person.

She enjoys sharing her skills with persons who are wanting to make positive changes in their life and realize their full potential. Susan believes personal growth and fulfillment is something we can all achieve, no matter our age. Schedule your initial session with her to start addressing the issues that matter.

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.

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.

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.

Celeste Mendez is an accomplished, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner with a diverse skill set involving therapy, medication management, Christian counseling, marriage counseling, and expertise in a range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and various mood disorders. Beyond being a healthcare provider, Celeste is a loving mother of two children and finds immense joy in her faith, being actively involved in her church and community. Her spiritual beliefs serve as a foundation for her compassionate care and understanding of the human experience.

Celeste is dedicated to providing holistic care that addresses not only the physical aspects of health but also the spiritual and emotional dimensions. Her empathetic approach, combined with evidence-based treatments, fosters a trusting and supportive therapeutic environment where individuals can embark on their healing journey.

Celeste also embraces an active and healthy lifestyle, placing a strong emphasis on physical fitness and well-being. Her dedication to her own health sets a positive example for her patients and reinforces her holistic approach to mental healthcare.