Our Providers

Tom Barbian, Ph.D.

Tom Barbian, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Raynia McGee, M.D.

Raynia McGee, M.D.

Staff Psychiatrist

Justin Koon Ph.D., LMFT

Justin Koon Ph.D., LMFT

Ph.D. / Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Debbie Clark, LPC

Debbie Clark, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Bobbie Lackey, LPC

Bobbie Lackey, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Courtney Skaggs, LPC

Courtney Skaggs, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Michael Lashley, LPC

Michael Lashley, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Ashley Suits, LPC

Ashley Suits, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Brian A. Mesimer, Ph.D., LPCS, NCC

Brian A. Mesimer, Ph.D., LPCS, NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Lesley Sorin, LPC

Lesley Sorin, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Trisha Kirkland, LPC

Trisha Kirkland, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Jack Clinton, LISW-CP

Jack Clinton, LISW-CP

Licensed Independent Social Worker, Clinical Practice

Rebecca Jones, LPC

Rebecca Jones, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Julia Klausi, Ph.D., LPC

Julia Klausi, Ph.D., LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Jason Swinford, LPC

Jason Swinford, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Kari Wilson, LPC

Kari Wilson, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Tessa Liferidge, LPC

Tessa Liferidge, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Mollie Campbell, LPC

Mollie Campbell, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Ariana Copeland, LPCA

Ariana Copeland, LPCA

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Katelin Austin

Katelin Austin

Student Intern

Victoria French

Victoria French

Student Intern

Sumter Location

Wendy Cunningham, LPCA

Wendy Cunningham, LPCA

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Rebekah Yoder, LPCA

Rebekah Yoder, LPCA

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Our Administrative Staff

Our Administrative Support Team is ready to assist you when you call.

Kathy Locklear

Kathy Locklear

Business Manager

Trina Isaac

Trina Isaac

Psychiatric Administrative Assistant

Tracey Ramos

Tracey Ramos

Intake Coordinator/Receptionist

Holly Egelston

Holly Egelston

Billing Coordinator

Main Office

1500 Lady Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Monday-Thursday- 8:30-5:00
Friday- 8:30-12:30

St. Andrews Office

Located in St. Andrews Presbyterian
6952 St. Andrews Road
Columbia, SC 29212

Northeast Office

Located in Crossings Community Church
2831 Clemson Road
Columbia, SC 29229

Sumter Office

Located in Westminster Presbyterian Church 230 Alice Drive Sumter, SC 29150

 

Satellite Office

Located in N. Trenholm Road Baptist Church
6515 N. Trenholm Road, Columbia,
SC 29206.

 

Thomas Barbian, Ph.D.

Dr. Barbian received his Doctorate in clinical psychology from The Cambridge Graduate School of Psychology in Los Angeles. He also holds a Masters Degree in marriage, family and child counseling, and a Bachelors Degree in Biblical studies. He has had extensive counseling experience in private practice as well as in a church setting. He was co-director of Associated Christian Therapy Services in California and has been actively involved in church leadership for many years.
Dr. Barbian’s primary specialty is the treatment of Sexual Addiction. He has specialized training as a CSAT-C (Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist). He works with addicts, partners, and couples whose lives have been impacted by sexual addiction. He facilitates Group Intensive Workshops for Sexual Addiction at Bethesda Workshops (www.Bethesdaworkshops.org).
Dr. Barbian has also received specialized training in Chemical Dependency, Anxiety Disorders, Attention deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Dr. Barbian has been married over 40 years to Corrine (who is also a therapist in Irmo, SC). They have five children and 6 grandchildren.

Education and Experience:
B.A., Southern California College; M.S., California Lutheran University; Ph.D., Cambridge Graduate School of Psychology; staff member, Church of the Living Christ, 1982-89; MFCC intern, private practice, 1986-89; marriage, family and child counselor, Antelope Valley Christian Counseling Center, 1989-91; director, Care Options, 1994-97; professional advisor, CHADD, 1991-97; assistant professor, Chapman University, 1996; clinical director, part-owner, Associated Christian Therapy Services, 1991-97; executive director, Christian Counseling Center, First Presbyterian Church, 1997-present; Licensed Professional Counselor.

Adjunct Faculty:
Columbia International University Graduate School: Clinical Counseling

Locations:
Downtown

Insurance:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State Health Plan
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
PAI
Tricare Standard
Humana

Dr. Raynia McGee

Dr. Raynia McGee began practice with the Christian Counseling Center in September of 2017. Originally from Talladega, AL, she received her B.S. from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA in 1996, her Master’s in environmental science from UT San Antonio in 2000, and her M.D. from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN in 2010. Raynia’s Psychiatry Residency was at Palmetto Health/University of SC from 2010-2014. She is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association. She was also a recipient of the Psychiatry Resident of the Year Award in 2014. She and her husband Ellis have two children and are active in Gracelife Church.
Dr. McGee practices outpatient psychiatry specializing in medication management and the treatment of adult depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and women’s issues.

Locations
Downtown

Education
General Psychiatry Residency, 2014
Palmetto Health/ University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC

Doctor of Medicine, 2010
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, TN

Master of Science, 2000
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Department of Environmental Science
San Antonio, TX

Bachelor of Science, 1996
Spelman College
Atlanta, GA

Dr. Raynia McGee
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State Health Plan
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
PAI
Cigna
Tricare (Humana Military 2018)
United Behavioral Health
McCleod Health
Out of Network Reimbursement Available (Call for Details)

Justin Koon Ph.D., LMFT

Dr. Koon joined the FPCCC staff in November, 2020. He has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in South Carolina since 2013. His areas of interest include anxiety, family therapy, marital therapy, and trauma.

Dr. Koon received specialized training in child/adolescent trauma therapy through the Medical University of South Carolina (Project BEST). He approaches counseling from a biblical worldview and collaborates with clients to apply scriptual truth to their unique struggles.

Dr. Koon is married and has two children. In addition to spending time with his family, he enjoys working in his yard, watching movies, and watching Gamecock sports. Dr. Koon and his family are also active in their local church.

Locations:
Downtown

Education:
Ph.D., Marriage and Family Therapy, 2011, Florida State university (Tallahassee, FL)

M.S., Counseling, 2007, John Brown University (Siloam Springs, AR)

B.A., Christian Studies, 2004, North Greenville University (Tigerville, SC)

Insurance:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State Health Plan
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
First Sun EAP

Debbie Clark, LPC

Debbie began at the Counseling Center in 2002 after receiving her master’s in counseling from Columbia International University. Before that, Debbie held an undergraduate degree from the University of North Florida majoring in Psychology with a minor in Behavioral Medicine. Debbie counsels adults covering a broad range of disorders ranging from milder forms of Life Adjustment issues, Anxiety and Depression to individual and family caregiver guidance for caregivers of aging loved ones. Her additional therapeutic specializations include treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), trauma and abuse recovery, traumatic loss and grief and coping with chronic illness. She often employs EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for PTSD, trauma/abuse recovery, anxieties and phobias.
Debbie is trained in the use of Validation Therapy for family members with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease. She is the cofounder of the donation supported Caring for Caregivers Ministry of the Counseling Center, which began in 2003. Debbie is also a Care Team Trainer and founding member Caregiver Coalition of the Midlands which sponsors a Caregiver Care Line and annual Caregiver Support Conference. Debbie continues to co-facilitate a monthly support group for Spouses’ Caring for Loved ones with Dementia. Debbie is particularly empathetic to these familial situations because she and her four siblings were closely involved in the care of both her parents before their deaths in 2006. Her mother struggled with Alzheimer’s disease for eleven years.
In her spare time, Debbie enjoys photography, gardening, creative cooking, reading, practicing silence, and retreating at abbeys and monasteries.

Locations:
Downtown

Education:
MA, Counseling, 2002
Columbia International University
BA, University of North Florida, 1997

Insurance:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State Health Plan
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
Humana Military (Tricare)
PAI
Premier Health Care
First Sun EAP
Beacon Health and EAP

Bobbie Lackey, LPC

Bobbie has been a practicing counselor for over 20 years and has been with the Counseling Center almost from it’s beginning. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible with an emphasis in Counseling and a Master of Education in Counseling along with an Education Specialist degree in Counseling. This year she will be transitioning from a full-time counselor position to become an independent contractor and will be working three days a week. Bobbie enjoys working with individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, women’s issues, marriage, and other relationship related issues. She has specialized training in EMDR which is a treatment of choice for dealing with traumatic memories and experiences.

Bobbie has a passion for baking, cake decorating, gardening, music and reading. She is currently caregiver for her elderly mother and enjoys spending time with her sisters, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Prior to becoming a counselor, she lived and worked in Haiti for three years with Habitat for Humanity. She still enjoys short-term mission work when the opportunity arises.

Locations
Downtown

Education
Ed.S & MA, Counseling Education, 1993-1994
University of South Carolina
BS, Biblical Studies, 1991
Columbia International University

Insurance
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State Health Plan
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
Corporate Health
Humana
PAI
Premier Health Care
Private Health Care Systems
First Sun EAP
Tricare
Magellan
Beacon Health and EAP
Palmetto EAP

Courtney Skaggs, LPC

Courtney started at the Counseling Center in 2012 as a student intern and began practicing in 2014. She holds a Masters degree in Clinical Counseling and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Humanities and Bible from Columbia International University. While she has a many therapeutic interests, Courtney is particularly passionate about working with sexual trauma victims. She is interested in helping clients process their history of abuse and other issues that arise with it such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, co-dependency, boundary problems, etc. Dealing with traumatic experiences and facing additional issues, clients are allowed the opportunity to enjoy healthier relationships and a well-functioning lifestyle. To aid in the healing process, Courtney uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as offering Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as a forms of treatment.

In her spare time, Courtney enjoys various outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with her husband and son.

Michael Lashley, LPC

Michael began his work at the Counseling Center in the summer of 2012. Before entering the Clinical Counseling program at Columbia International University, he held a Bible Certificate from CIU, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wofford College, and a Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary. Michael’s particular therapeutic interests include premarital, marital and family counseling, but he also works with individuals and couples in a wide variety of capacities.

In addition to serving as a counselor, Michael is an ordained pastor, having previously served in 2 pastorates. He enjoys following and playing sports, especially tennis, watching movies and spending time with his wife and five children.

Locations
Downtown
Northeast

Education
MA Counseling, 2013
Columbia International University
Masters of Divinity, 2001
Reformed Theological Seminary
BS, Psychology, 1991
Wofford College

Insurance
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State Health Plan
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
First Sun EAP
Palmetto EAP

Ashley Suits, LPC

Ashley Suits, LPC, holds a master’s degree in Counseling and an undergraduate degree in Business. Ashley began her work at the Counseling Center in December of 2008. Her areas of therapeutic interest are depression, anxiety disorders, marital issues, skills involving emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness, and adolescent disorders. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, exercising (due to her affinity for desserts), boating, and listening to music. Ashley and her husband have been married since 2003 and they have two children.

Locations
St. Andrews

Education
MA, Clinical Counseling
Columbia International University
BA, Business
Erskine College

Insurance
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
First Sun EAP
Palmetto E.A.P.
Tricare
Magellan

Brian A. Mesimer, Ph.D., LPCS, NCC

Dr. Mesimer began working at the Christian Counseling Center in 2015. He has degrees in philosophy, religious studies, counseling, and theology, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from The University of the Cumberlands. Dr. Mesimer is interested in working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, sexual and relational issues, spiritual formation, crises and trauma, academic concerns, life and career transitions, and grief. He also specializes in applying rich theological insight in a competent and therapeutic way.

Dr. Mesimer and his wife enjoy living in Columbia and are dog people. In his free time, you might find him reading, writing, watching sports (particularly motorsports), and exercising. In addition, he is a published researcher and presenter in the fields of counseling and theology, and blogs on subjects related to psychology and theology at various sites. He primarily serves as an assistant professor of counseling at Richmont Graduate University.

Locations:
Downtown Columbia
Telehealth

Education:
Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision, 2022
The University of the Cumberlands (CACREP Accredited)

MA, Theological Studies, 2018
Reformed Theological Seminary

MA, Counseling, 2016
Columbia International University (CACREP Accredited)

BA, Philosophy and Religious Studies, 2011
The University of South Carolina

Insurance:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
United Healthcare

Lesley Sorin, LPC

Lesley joined the staff in August of 2012 as a Student Intern. In addition to a Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University, Lesley holds undergraduate degrees from Seattle Pacific University in Psychology and Interpersonal Communication. She is excited to work with a broad spectrum of issues, but she has a special interest in pre-marital and marital therapy, family issues, and any other relational problems. She enjoys working with those who have spiritual concerns or are seeking a deeper relationship with God. Lesley is also interested in alcohol, drug, and food addictions therapy. She has special training to understand and treat emotional problems, relational problems and several mental disorders. Outside of work, she enjoys playing competitive volleyball, reading a good book and basking in the beautiful South Carolina sunshine. Lesley’s favorite thing to do is to spend time with her husband, her three children, and her loving Savior.

Trisha Kirkland

Trisha began her work at The Christian Counseling Center in 2007. She transitioned to Ben Lippen School in 2015, where she worked as the middle and high school counselor for eight years. In 2023, Trisha returned to The Christian Counseling Center with an interest in counseling children, teens, and adults.

Trisha holds a MA in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University and a BS in Science Teaching from Clemson University. She has received additional training in Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Training for Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Trauma and PTSD; Nutrition for Mental Health; ADHD Intensive Training: Managing ADHD Across the Lifespan; Anxiety Treatment for Children and Adolescents; and Calming the Overactive Brain.

Trisha approaches counseling from a Biblical worldview. Her counseling is individualized and holistic, taking into consideration how spiritual, relational, mental, and physical needs impact the overall wellbeing of her clients. She aims to provide a safe environment for clients to heal and learn more about themselves, as well as grow through the difficulties they are facing.

Her clinical interest include: anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, adjustment to life changes / coping with change, skills for emotional regulation, spiritual formation, strategies and skills that promote overall wellness, stress management

Trisha has been married over twenty-five years and has two children. She enjoys time with her family and friends, being outdoors, and traveling.

Jack Clinton, LISW-CP

I have been married nearly 40 years to my lovely wife Greta. We have six wonderful children together, all but one of whom have graduated from the nest. I have a passion for helping hurting people, art, woodworking, carpentry, working out, watching football, and spending time with my wonderful family.

I am passionate about helping people from a Christ-centered world view discover what’s blocking or hindering them from becoming a more whole and joyful person for the glory of God and His kingdom.

I specialize in helping people with depression, anxiety, fear, stress and trauma related disorders, and relationship issues. I also love working with senior citizens and helping them solve some of their unique problems. I have more than 25 years of clinical experience as a counselor. I also spent 16 years working as a hospice social worker and bereavement counselor.

I graduated from George Washington University with a Masters of Fine Arts and Design degree in 1991 and received my Masters in Clinical Social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1995.

Rebecca Jones, LPC

After earning a Masters degree in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University (2015), Rebecca joined The Christian Counseling Center in 2015, first as an LPCA and now as an Licensed Professional Counselor. Rebecca takes a non-judgmental and individualized approach to each client. She feels called to help people find relief from their distress and achieve personal growth and transformation so that they may experience more effectiveness and wholeness in their lives and relationships, both with God and others. Some of her counseling experience and interests include depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, relationship difficulties and interpersonal effectiveness skills, spiritual formation, trauma, and phase of life transitions. She has a special clinical interest in perinatal adjustment issues, including perinatal depression & anxiety. Rebecca and her husband have been married since 2011 and have three children. She is happiest when she’s with her husband and kids, eating sushi with friends, or reading a fantastic book under a cozy blanket.

Julia Klausli, Ph.D., LPC

Dr. Klausli has been working with clients in the Columbia area since 2019. She holds a master’s degree in counseling from Columbia International University (1997) and a doctorate (PhD) in Human Development from the University of Texas at Dallas (2002).

She regards counseling as a privilege to accompany individuals during difficult seasons of life on their journey towards healing and flourishing. In addition to supporting clients with a variety of issues like depression, anxiety, or adjustment disorders, she is especially passionate about working with couples and families who are experiencing relationship conflict or ambivalence. She has spoken at conferences and published several articles regarding marriage and family well-being and the ways faith can support marital satisfaction.

Finally, Dr. Klausli provides career counseling and is certified to administer the Highlands Ability Battery, a well-validated career aptitude test, to help individuals discover their natural strengths and abilities for career development or career change.

Before moving back to Columbia in 2013, Dr. Klausli and her family lived in Germany for six years where she taught cross-cultural counseling and research at the European School of Culture and Theology. Dr. Klausli and her husband are active members of their local church. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, her four daughters, and their two dogs.

Locations:
Downtown

Education:
PhD, Human Development, 2002
University of Texas at Dallas

MA, Counseling, 2002
Columbia International University

BA, Bible and General Ministries
Columbia International University, 1995

Jason Swinford, LPC

Jason joined the Christian Counseling Center team as an intern in the spring of 2020 and as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) in the spring of 2021. Jason holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. He is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) by National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) – Candidate.  Jason’s therapeutic interests include working with individuals struggling with sexual addiction, betrayal trauma, substance abuse, families of addicts, relational issues, spiritual formation, crises and trauma, as well as life and career transitions. Prior to counseling, Jason spent 13+ years working in various levels of leadership across the organization of a Fortune 150 insurance company. He has experience working with individuals and leaders of all levels of an organization.  Jason obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, Management, and Finance from Valdosta State University.

Jason made the switch from the business world to counseling based on a calling that God placed on his life to walk with individuals through the difficulties of life and to help individuals achieve their desired growth and transformation. Jason utilizes a variety of approaches to include cognitive behavioral, experiential, and person centered to help individuals reach their desired change.

When Jason is not working with clients, he enjoys spending time with his family and community. He loves to catch one of the many live sporting events around town and enjoys playing golf as well as being outside. He is an active member of his local church where he has served in several different volunteer roles and participated in mission trips/activities.

Education and Associations:
M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2020, Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA)
B.B.A., Management, Marketing, and Finance, 2007, Valdosta State University (Valdosta, GA)
Member, American Association of Christian Counselors

National Certified Counselor (NCC), National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) – Candidate, International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP)

Locations:
Downtown

Insurance:
Self-Pay

Kari Wilson, LPC

Kari holds a master’s degree in counseling from Columbia International University and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus in Community Mental Health from Southern New Hampshire University. She believes counseling is a way for individuals and families to process through some of life’s most delicate and difficult struggles. She also believes the counseling process is a gift we give ourselves to move toward healing and hope. Kari has experience counseling children, adolescents, adults, and families. Kari often enjoys implementing therapeutic arts and music into her sessions.

Kari has a certification with Children’s Trust of South Carolina to work with families, individuals, and professionals regarding the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). She walks side by side with individuals, helping them to understand how their own (ACE) may have unknowingly impacted their health, parenting style and over all well-being. In a non-judgmental environment, Kari helps her clients see hope by utilizing therapeutic steps to provide structure for positive change.

In her extra time, Kari is usually with her husband and children. Cooking, reading, and traveling are passions she shares with her family. She loves nature, especially the ocean and the mountains. When she is not with her family, she is often reading, or being creative in various form of arts and crafts.

Kari has served in children’s ministry for many years and has a heart for children and individuals and families with special needs. She believes God has given her a nurturing spirit in which she uses to serve, be it in the nursery or other areas of ministry. Her mission is to be a vessel for Jesus; however He may lead her.

Locations:
Downtown

Education:
Master of Arts in Counseling, Columbia International University, 2021
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Southern New Hampshire University, 2017

Certifications:
Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy certification (REBT)
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Master Trainer certification (ACE)
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certification (Tf CBT)

Tessa Liferidge, LPC

Tessa began her professional counseling career at the South Carolina Department of Corrections in 2008 to 2015 with 17-29 year old females. In 2010, she added working at The Christian Counseling Center until 2019 when she took an extended absence to be home with her son. She returned in 2023.

Tessa holds a MA in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University and a BA in Psychology from Mars Hill University.

Tessa approaches counseling from a Biblical Worldview. She feels called to help people heal from grief, find relief from distress, achieve personal growth and transformation so they may experience increased wholeness in their lives and relationships, both with God and others.

Tessa’s special clinical experience and interests include emotional regulation, coping with change, depression, anxiety, spiritual transformation, identity, relationship difficulties, racial reconciliation, interpersonal effectiveness skills, grief and phase of life transitions.

Tessa and her husband have been married since 2011 and have one son. She enjoys spending time with her family, new adventures, outdoors, exercise and praise and worship.

Mollie Campbell, LPC

Mollie Campbell, LPC, earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Columbia International University and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education Mathematics from Clemson University. Mollie first began at the Christian Counseling Center in January 2020 as a student intern. Her clinical interests include anxiety, trauma, depression, marital issues, PTSD, and walking with others through life transitions.

Many days Mollie is joined in the office by her therapy dog Becca. Becca is friendly and loves pats and snuggles. Becca is registered with Therapy Dogs International and has been a wonderful addition to the office.

Mollie’s life experience includes serving in overseas missions and being an educator. Her family relocated to China from 2012 to 2016 to work and serve with international schools. Due to her experience, she has a passion for missionary families on the field and in transition. In addition, her experience with international adoption has led to a passion to work with adoptive families in all areas of the journey.

Mollie has specialized training in:

  • Treating trauma
  • EMDR
  • SYMBIS premarital counseling

Mollie and her husband were married in March 2000 and have two teenagers and two doodles. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family on outdoor adventures. Most often, you will find her on a soccer field or track watching her children at sporting events.

Ariana Copeland, LPCA

Ariana received her Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling at Columbia International University in 2020. She also received a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Psychology at Columbia International University in 2017. Her studies focused on integrating the Christian faith with the complexities of the individual’s mind, body, soul, emotions, and life.

Ariana concentrated on Attachment Theory, Family Therapy, and a Trauma-Informed approach as she interned at Family Intervention Services through Richland 2 Schools for a year and a half. She worked with the Hispanic population, primarily focusing on mending and fortifying mother-child relationships. She helped immigrant families process past traumas and work through the anxieties of being foreign in a new environment. She has a desire to work with ethnic minorities, women, and young adults in the areas of building boundaries, establishing healthy relationships, processing family of origin conflicts, talking through faith and identity issues, and alleviating struggles with anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or grief.

Ariana is married to her very extroverted, movie-loving husband of six years, and they are currently enjoying their two young daughters. In her free time, she loves playing with her girls and making zoo trips with the family. She also loves watching movies with her husband, listening to a good audiobook or podcast, drinking coffee with friends, and writing stories.

Locations:
Forest Acres
Telehealth

Education & Experience:
MA, Clinical Counseling, 2020
Columbia International University (CACREP Accredited)

BA, Bible and Psychology, 2017
Columbia International University

Graduate Level Internship
Family Intervention Services (Richland 2 Schools), 2019-2020

Disabilities Coordinator Assistant
Academic Success Center (at Columbia International University), 2017-2021

Certifications:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)
Board-Certified Tele-Mental Health (BC-TMH)

Languages:
English
Spanish

Katelin Austin
Student Intern

Katelin received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Counseling from Columbia International University.

Katelin has a heart for serving people and understanding how their experiences and views of the world shape them into who they are. She is passionate about walking alongside individuals as they process grief, anxiety, depression, faith, relationship issues, and life transitions. Katelin desires to help her clients build a strong foundation for life built on truth and hope so that they can face various trials that come their way.

She spends her pastime volunteering at animal shelters, caring for her plants, taking day trips to the beach, and walking at the riverwalk with her husband.

Victoria French

Vickie is currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Columbia International University.

We were all created for connection – with God, others, and within ourselves. Relationships are important. Mental and emotional health is best realized when we understand who we are and how we connect in our community. Vickie enjoys working with clients to discover a path for growth that is paved both by what the client has experienced and what the client hopes for in the future.

Vickie enjoys helping others struggling with anxiety, depression, and feelings of disconnection. She prefers to use a strengths-based approach that helps the client express healthy self-compassion while gaining a better understanding of their internal experience. She applies this approach to both individuals and couples.

When working with couples, Vickie believes that nothing is more important in marriage than being seen, heard, and valued by your spouse. The goal of couples counseling is to help partners find mutual empowerment in their relationship that allows them to enjoy life together to the fullest.

In her free time, Vickie loves to spend time with her husband and nine children. She loves reading, drinking coffee, and running in the outdoors.

Wendy Cunningham, LPCA

Wendy Cunningham believes in empowering change through connection. She likes to help people become more connected to themselves, God, and others. She likes to see and work with people to help them grow and become more emotionally mature by learning relational and spiritual skills. This will help them to experience a more connected life at work, in daily activities, and have more satisfying relationships.

Wendy has experience working with individuals who are developing or experiencing mental health problems. She also has experience working with individuals from college campuses. Wendy currently teaches at a local college and is a trainer for Mental Health First Aid.

Wendy enjoys reading, traveling to state parks, going on “adventures” to small towns and historic sites.

She also enjoys being with her family and friends. Wendy enjoys learning and doing a variety of spiritual practices and skills to help her be more connected to herself, others and God.

Locations:
Sumter

Rebekah Yoder, LPCA

Rebekah began working at the Christian Counseling Center in the fall of 2020. She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama. Having over a decade of experience working with children/adolescents and young adults, Rebekah has worked with many client concerns through individual, family, and group settings. She is especially passionate about helping those who are dealing with depression, anxiety, relational issues, self-esteem issues, sexual abuse, and past trauma(s).

 

In her free time, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, going to the beach, traveling, or drinking coffee with a friend.

 

Locations:
Sumter

 

Education:
MA, Counseling, 2020
Columbia International University (CACREP Accredited)
BA, Elem. Education, 2011
The University of Alabama

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