Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Columbia, SC covered by Cigna

Hi, I'm Derrick, a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and founder of Guardian Path Counseling Services. With more than 15 years of experience in mental health and education, I work with adolescents, teens, and adults facing anxiety, stress, behavioral concerns, emotional challenges, and life's many transitions. I've worked in both school and clinical settings and believe therapy should feel like a real conversation, not something overly clinical or intimidating.

I focus on building a genuine connection and using plain talk so you can feel comfortable being yourself. From there, we'll work together to better understand what's going on, build on your strengths, and find practical ways to help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

I have been a Social Worker for 30 years! That's crazy for me to think about because I am not THAT old......and I have learned a lot (about myself) along the way. I have learned that I do like to talk to people more than I let on. I have learned that I can be very patient listener and I give good feedback. And, I have learned that, at some point, we all have to make changes in our lives and that can be scary. I have also learned it's not as scary when we talk about it out loud........just saying.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who has been practicing since 2013. I provide virtual therapy for women, LGBTQ+ adults, and neurodivergent clients who are navigating anxiety, burnout, identity exploration, and the lingering impact of past relational or religious wounds and other trauma.

I focus on helping thoughtful, sensitive adults better understand their inner world, build healthier boundaries, and feel more aligned in their daily lives.

Hello and thanks for being here!

Even though you might realize how important your mental health is, getting help isn't always easy or comfortable. In my years as a counselor I've come to realize that healing begins with being seen and heard. I would like to meet you where you are and help you move forward on your wellness journey.

I have a Ph.D. and 25+ years of experience working in mental health and related fields. My overall goal is to provide a trusting and caring environment where we will work to address some areas and seek healthier connections. I want to empower and provide you with tools to accomplish goals. In prior years, I have worked with youth in foster care and adoptions.

I received my BA degree in Psychology from Columbia College and my MA degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to supporting adult women through life’s challenges with a compassionate, empowering, and trauma-informed approach. I believe that healing begins in a space where you feel safe, supported, and understood, and I strive to create that environment for every client I work with. I have experience working with women in a correctional facility and in a private practice setting. I have also worked with adolescent males in the juvenile justice system, adolescent girls, and children in a school setting.

I help children, teens, and adults navigate life’s challenges by offering a safe, compassionate, and supportive space. My goal is to empower you to build healthier relationships, gain effective coping skills, and feel more in control of your life.

I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, and family-related concerns. I also offer family therapy to help improve communication and strengthen family bonds.

Clients describe me as empathetic, approachable, and easy to talk to. I believe in working together to find practical solutions that fit your life.

If you’re ready to begin your therapy journey, I’d be honored to support you.

My journey began as a deeply personal quest for healing, shaped by significant challenges such as abandonment, neglect, and trauma. Overcoming hardships like poverty, familial substance abuse, and toxic relationships led me to a lifelong struggle with anxiety and feelings of isolation. In my search for relief, I explored countless self-help resources, pursued degrees in psychology, and experimented with therapeutic techniques, yet nothing seemed to offer lasting change.

Everything shifted for me about three years ago when I experienced a transformative moment that inspired the creation of the Blue Lotus Approach. This method has not only helped me heal but has also profoundly impacted my clients, guiding them toward self-awareness and resilience.

La vida se mueve en olas. Life moves in waves. I started Olas Therapy because I am passionate about supporting children, teens, adults, and families in navigating trauma, big emotions, and identity exploration with a holistic and personalized approach- helping clients ride life’s waves with resilience and connection. I provide services in Spanish and English, and I love working with kids of all ages. I am particularly interested in supporting caregivers in navigating parental challenges to foster a healthy parent-child relationship and promoting healthy sexuality across the lifespan.

I am authentic and honest in my work with others in therapy. I began my professional clinical journey in my 40's after a successful business career. I have chosen to continuously learn and grown clinically to serve those who I work with so we can work together to resolve any behavioral health issue they are facing. I work mostly with adults and tend to do a lot of couples work focusing on relationship building and restoration. My background is also heavy in substance use treatment.