Find a therapist in Bluffton, SC — covered by insurance

Therapy is meant to be a place where anyone can feel safe and understood. With all of the major stressors that kids are facing in this current age, it can be a game-changer for a child to have a place where they feel accepted and supported. I became a therapist not to pathologize or diagnose children, but to become another safe adult in their support system who guides them to their goals and cheers them on from the sidelines. I specialize in helping children and teens ages 3–17 navigate through emotional challenges, stressful life transitions, and difficult developmental experiences through play therapy and a warm, supportive environment.

Grief, loss, anxiety, and depression can make everyday life feel harder to navigate. I support clients working through bereavement, end-of-life concerns, anxiety, and depression in online therapy. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina, with 17 years of experience. I want you to feel heard, respected, and supported as you make sense of what you’re carrying. If you’re looking for a compassionate space to talk openly, I welcome you to reach out.

You may look like you're holding everything together. But inside, you're exhausted.

Your mind won't slow down. You're replaying conversations, worrying about your child, trying to keep up with work and family, or wondering why things that used to feel manageable suddenly feel so difficult.

Maybe your child or teenager is struggling with anxiety, ADHD, big emotions, school, friendships, or changes at home—and you're not sure what else to try.

Or maybe you're the one everyone depends on, and you've become so focused on taking care of everyone else that you've stopped feeling like yourself.

You don't have to wait until things get worse to get support.

I'm Cynthia High-Gutierrez, LCSW, a bilingual English/Spanish therapist with more than 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD/neurodiversity, stress, trauma, relationship and family challenges, women's issues, and major life transitions.

My background in public schools, school-based mental health, hospitals, and outpatient therapy gives me a unique perspective—especially when emotional health, family life, relationships, work, and school begin affecting one another.

Refined Beginnings Counseling takes the focus off of issues and highlights solutions. Refined Beginnings Counseling LLC supports an environment that is least restrictive, provides for confidentiality, and convenience by offering tele-mental health services in Florida and both tele-mental health and office visits to clients in Georgia.

I have been a therapist for 13 years. My training is in Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Work and Systems Therapies. I have worked in a variety of settings from outdoor education to residential and IOP. Most of my background has been in supporting individuals or families with children with complex developmental needs and neurodiversity. I love working with folks of all ages and backgrounds and am an ally.

Personally, I love crafting, cooking, paddle boarding and traveling to National Parks with my husband and two small children.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me, and I look forward to knowing more about you!

I believe therapy is a collaborative process built on trust and transparency. My experience working in healthcare and in larger systems has only strengthened this belief. I look forward to joining you in your journey and supporting your growth.

I am a compassionate person, who currently serves as a Travel Social Worker, where I provide essential individual and group therapy to clients in need by focusing on clinical assessments and crisis interventions. I ensure that clients experiencing self-injurious behaviors receive ongoing support. My commitment to improving mental health is further highlighted by my role as Clinical Director at Pinnacle Point Supportive Services, where I was instrumental for 14 years. In this position, I overseen a team of therapists, facilitate therapy sessions for both children and adults, and engage in court-related matters. With a strong foundation in therapy and clinical supervision, I have developed skills in treatment planning, documentation, and quality assurance.