Therapists in Atlantic Beach, SC

Hi and welcome to BetterHelp! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LISW-CP, or Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice, in the state of South Carolina) and a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers. I have over twenty years of experience working extensively in outpatient mental health settings providing services to children, adolescents, families, and adults who are experiencing a wide range of mental health issues from adjustment disorders to serious and persistent mental illness. I also have significant experience and expertise in the areas of intimacy problems and sexual disorders; it is my belief that every adult has a right to a fulfilling and healthy sex life, and as such, it is a crucial component of our identities that may be discounted or overlooked in assessments of our emotional and physical well-being. I have worked successfully with individuals experiencing many types of these particular concerns, from compulsive sexual behavior and pornography addiction to painful intercourse and sexual dissatisfaction. I am a Fellow of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, an international organization aimed at prevention of sexual abuse and the treatment of/research on those who abuse. With me, you will find no judgment or awkward pauses about whatever issues you are experiencing! Additionally, I have worked with countless survivors of sexual abuse and other traumas and am a nationally rostered trauma clinician; I have significant experience working with those managing PTSD, depression, and relationship/intimacy issues as a result of past sexual trauma or interpersonal violence. With my diverse clinical background and easy-going but caring, concerned, and direct style, I am confident that no matter what is troubling you, we can work together to ensure you become your best self! Although I utilize a variety of approaches depending on the issues and needs of those with whom I am working, I tend to rely most on two core theoretical frameworks. I often approach therapy from a cognitive-behavioral perspective, which entails (to put it simply) looking at thoughts and feelings and how they result in behaviors. When experiencing difficulty in your life, it is very likely that underlying faulty core beliefs are keeping you from achieving the emotional health and stability you desire; therefore, we will work on reframing and restructuring your negative thoughts and patterns into more positive, adaptive ones. In addition, I utilize a systems approach in conceptualizing your issues; in doing so, we will look at your role in each of the systems in which you interact to facilitate change. By gaining insight into the system of overlapping and intertwining relationships (i.e., the systems) in your life, you will reach a better understanding of your patterns of behavior and how to change those that are not working for you. No matter how we approach your identified needs, know that I am very passionate about my work helping others and it is my goal to provide you a therapy experience where you will feel heard, respected, and valued. Your feedback is crucial to our therapeutic relationship and remember, you are the key to your own success! I simply am going to help you open the door. I look forward to exploring the ways in which I can assist you in attaining your goals. Let’s get started today—you can do this!! And I’ll be with you every step of the way.

You’ve already taken the first and hardest step just by considering therapy, and I want to help make your journey as safe and powerful as possible. I am an independent clinical social worker, a military combat veteran, and a full time social worker with a community non-profit organization. I have experience working with people from all walks of life. I promise to work with you without judgement and full of support and hope. My therapeutic approach is motivational and client-centered, and you can get to know more about me and my approach by viewing this video: https://youtu.be/o0NP3YO4s-0 Note: Since BetterHelp is not my full time job, my availability is limited to a few time slots per week. If you need a therapist with flexibility in scheduling, I'm probably not a good fit. Your story matters, and it is just getting started. I look forward to working with you on the next chapter!

Hello! My name is May Kirby and I have eight years’ experience in an intensive outpatient mental health treatment setting. I am skilled in a variety of modalities, but my core belief is the therapeutic alliance is the catalyst to growth and change. My love of people and their stories fuels my curiosity and motivation to discover and fortify your strengths through our therapeutic partnership. How can we work together for your benefit?

I am Al Watson, a Licensed Independent Social Worker for Clinical Practice in the state of South Carolina. I obtained my license in 1989 after completing a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Georgia in 1979. I have both administrative and clinical experience in the mental health field since 1972. I have been in solo counseling practice part-time since 1988 and full-time since 2010, providing counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. While I have worked in a variety of mental health services, for the last ten years I have focused on adults, children/adolescents, and families in private practice. I have provided services for those who are trying to resolve issues related to depression, anxiety, grief, being abused, self awareness and acceptance, sexual orientation, and parenting. I am trained primarily in analytical and cognitive-behavioral counseling and believe in providing client-centered service to my clients. I try to make contact with my clients to understand their physical, mental, and spiritual makeup and how they apply this combination in their daily life and in their plans for the future. I believe it is important to pay attention to your talents, and potential for creativity. I work to also understand your present life through past and present personal and family relationships. I will use this information to develop a treatment plan with you that best serves your needs. Really listening to you is the key to success in counseling goals. We all can experience difficult times in our lives, and come to wish there was someone in the professional counseling field to talk with to help us grow, finding ways to better cope with such times. I am happy to be available to work with you in finding ways to increase personal healthiness and I look forward to working with you.

I am a graduate of Cincinnati Christian University, with experience in women’s issues, severe mental health disorders, early childhood mental health, marriage and family therapy, depression and anxiety, addictions, body image and self awareness, among others. I prefer a psychodynamic and person centered approach. I enjoy solution focused approaches with clients who are motivated, but also enjoy the relationship of those who need services for a longer duration. My heart is to heal and restore the broken. “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

When you reflect on your relationships with friends, romantic partners, or family members does it bring up feelings of being misunderstood or devalued? Do you find yourself struggling to manage overwhelming feelings of sadness, worry, grief, or anger? Perhaps you are simply fed up with repeating unhealthy patterns in your life and are unsure how to break them? As a licensed clinical social worker, I leverage an integrative and culturally-informed approach to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My practice is informed by clinical training in solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy and is further guided by 25 years of professional experience supporting individuals, couples, families, and youth, as well as, military members, veterans, leadership, and professional teams. Through my work, I specialize in helping clients: 1) Mitigate stress, anxiety, and depression; 2) Address complex relationship issues and family dynamics; and 3) Foster coping skills to manage grief, loss, and anger. We can work together to develop the skills, confidence, and insight needed to pursue your most authentic self. Taking the first step to seeking a happier and more fulfilling life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

My passion is working with people and helping them to be the best they can be. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina and a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina with 27+ years of therapeutic experience. I help people with a variety of concerns to include stress, anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. My style is to lead with compassion and acceptance and tailor therapy to meet your needs. I believe your strengths will allow you to grow so you can be the best possible you. Life is difficult and often having support and learning some skills can lead to feeling better. You will learn how to advocate and solve problems for yourself. By creating a mutually beneficial relationship, this will allow you to set goals, healthy boundaries, and develop practical skills to deal your emotions and situations. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I look forward to working with you and watching you grow.

If you're reaching out to a therapist, you're needing something better in your life. You're not willing to go on the way things are, and you have the hope and determination that things can and must change. You need someone who can help you achieve that change. You don't need someone who will just tell you what you want to hear, or who will listen but not know what to do. You need someone who has the ability to get you to that better place in your life. I have the training, compassion, and experience to help you get there. For couples, I'm trained in Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. These are two of the best-researched, most effective couples therapy methods out there, and I have seen beautiful results in my clients. I also see many individuals, as well as families. I've also been there. I know what depression feels like, and I've struggled with a difficult marriage and divorce. I've been to therapy myself, learned a lot, done the work, and have gotten to my own better place. My passion and my reason for becoming a therapist is to help others benefit from what I've learned. My training has given me the skills to do that. I won't judge you, and you won't hear, "Well, just get over it!" from me. If you want Christian counseling, let me know. If you prefer non-religious therapy, I am comfortable with that as well. Either way, you will have my full attention and my best effort.

I am licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina as a Clinical Therapist, and certified as a National Counselor by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). I have over 10 years of professional experience, and have successfully worked with clients helping them to manage and overcome issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, family and relationship issues, PTSD, and low self-esteem. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Expressive Arts Therapist in the states of Massachusetts and North Carolina. My vision is to support my clients using an integrative approach of both traditional psychotherapy alongside expressive arts and other body based therapies to address life’s challenges of varying degrees. I've had great success supporting clients who have experienced anxiety, depression, and trauma specifically as it relates to systemic oppression. I have served cross culturally both in the states as well as overseas with the interdisciplinary art forms of music, dance/movement, visual art, drama, poetry and traditional art forms. Is talking through an issue challenging for you? Let the arts do the talking. Looking forward to creating a space for you to lead me through your life’s journey where you feel both validated and empowered. I look forward to providing you with the support that you are worthy of!