Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in South Carolina

You deserve a therapist who knows the terrain. I’ve been where you are. I have experienced mental health from every angle—as someone who has done the deep personal work, as someone who has navigated the pain of losing loved ones to suicide, and now as a therapist. When I suggest a tool or a shift in perspective, it’s because I practice what I preach. I know the freedom that comes from setting boundaries and building a life you truly love, and I want that same transformation for you.

A perspective shaped by the world: Growing up with over 30 exchange students from around the globe taught me early on that everyone’s "normal" looks different. This curiosity follows me outside the office, too. This love for travel and culture keeps my mind open and my spirit curious—traits I bring into every session we share.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor originally from Augusta, GA. I graduated from Paine College and Mercer University, I began my career with an enriching internship at Positive Impact Health Centers. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working in addiction treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and with individuals experiencing psychotic disorders.

In 2019, I became fully licensed and continued to grow at Georgia Psychological Treatment Center, where I deepened my understanding of the human psyche and embraced a more intuitive approach to healing. This path led me to earn a Master Life Coach Certification and a Master’s in Divinity, focusing on consciousness, spirituality, energy healing, and transpersonal psychology.

Along the way, I’ve gathered meaningful experiences and powerful tools, including training in EMDR, to help support trauma healing. As a transpersonal therapist, I integrate the mind, body, and soul into my work to help you achieve your goals and come into deeper harmony with your Self.

I am licensed in South Carolina with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.

I specialize in supporting individuals, couples, and families navigating sex, love, and pornography addiction, substance use, ADD/ADHD, communication issues, conflict, mood disorders, trauma, dissociative disorders, and mental health challenges. I have years of experience helping older adults with life transitions, medical, caregiving challenges and more I also enjoy helping teens, college students, and adults struggling with attention and learning issues, as well as families with loved ones navigating mental health and substance use challenges. Clients describe me as relatable, down to earth, and someone who genuinely understands what they are going through. I am committed to helping anyone who wants help.

I help children, teens, adults, and families navigate trauma, anxiety, parenting challenges, relationship difficulties, grief, and life transitions. Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about the next step. I believe therapy is a stepping stone, not a destination. Together, we'll develop practical skills, restore hope, and strengthen your confidence so you can continue growing long after therapy ends and create the life you want.

Welcome! My name is Jennifer, and I am the founder of Strides for Empowerment. While I have been practicing within the clinical mental health field for the past three years, my journey within the human services and the helping field spans over 21 years. I am dedicated to creating a warm, judgement-free space where you feel heard.

Education & Background

I earned my Master of Arts (MA) in counseling from Oakland University. Beyond traditional therapy setting I have extensive background in working with mandated clients. I also hold a nationally renowned certificate from the National Anger Management Association (NAMA) as a Certified Parent Teacher Specialist.

Clinical Specialties

Throughout my career, I have developed deep expertise in helping individuals navigate complex life challenges.

My core areas of specialty include:

Trauma, anxiety and stress management, depression and mood support, substance use and addiction recovery and co-occurring disorders (meaning mental health and substance use simultaneously).

Whether you are looking to heal from past trauma, manage daily anxiety, or navigate a difficult life transition, we will work together at your own pace to build the tools you need one stride at a time. I look forward to connecting with you.

The population Renee treats are the following: individuals only, age 20+ ; NO COUPLES and NO FAMILIES. Throughout her career, Renee has successfully assisted clients from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of mental health concerns. Her expertise spans various areas, including life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem struggles, Stress and worry, Caregiver stress, PTSD, Trauma, ACOA (Adult Child of Alcoholic or Drug Addict), addictions, Relapse Prevention, Dual Diagnosis, Grief, Shame and Guilt, Abandonment issues, Betrayal, Codependency, Toxic Relationships, Postpartum Depression, and Infertility-informed. By employing a holistic and client-centered approach, Renee fosters a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Renee's therapeutic style combines empathy, active listening, and collaboration, ensuring that each client's unique needs and goals are addressed effectively. She employs evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, solution-focused therapy to promote personal insight, resilience, inner child wound work, narrative therapy, attachment style theory method along with client center humanistic approach towards positive change.

My name is Dr. Bryan A. Jones, LPC, and I am a licensed professional counselor and substance abuse treatment practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health, counseling, addiction and recovery services, spiritual care, and helping individuals navigate complex life challenges. I am licensed as a mental health professional in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida for telehealth.

I specialize in working with adults, Veterans, professionals, faith leaders, and individuals experiencing major life transitions who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, relationship concerns, substance use disorders, recovery challenges, burnout, identity concerns, and spiritual or faith-related struggles.

I help clients by providing a compassionate, collaborative, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented approach to counseling.

I am passionate about this work because I believe people can experience healing, recovery, growth, resilience, and renewed hope even during difficult seasons of life. It is a privilege to help individuals better understand themselves, overcome obstacles, strengthen relationships, address substance use concerns, develop healthier patterns, and move toward the life they want to live.

My goal is to provide counseling that is warm, professional, practical, and purposeful—a place where you can talk openly, be appropriately challenged, develop useful tools, and move forward with greater confidence, stability, and clarity.

As a licensed and trained therapist. I offer a relaxing atmosphere for you to come and discuss the issues you are facing. My practice revolves around each client I see and making sure they are comfortable and involved in their mental health care. I will work together with you to create an individualized plan to help you reach your goals.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Addictions Counselor, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a Community Residential Care Facility Administrator, and a Certified Tier 3 trained Military Counselor. I am a Clinical Mental Health professional with over 25 years of experience and leadership skills in the Mental Health realm. I specialize in the treatment of Depression, Anxiety, Grief/Loss, PTSD, Addictions, Motivation, Self-Esteem and Weight Loss.