West Columbia Counselors.

and deserve acceptance without judgment or the preconceived notions of others. Utilizing an eclectic approach to counseling, Kym has experience working with all demographics, particularly adolescents, women, and families. She is trained in multiple evidence-based techniques to include Motivation Interviewing (M.I.), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to assist clients with various challenges such as relationship concerns, self-esteem issues, trauma, and anxiety & depression disorders. Kym is committed to support each client with identifying their needs, goals, innate gifts, and strengths.

Rayniece specializes in working with children and adolescents but has experience in working with all age groups. She is certified in TF-CBT. She received her clinical training at Hampton PRTF and is licensed by the state of South Carolina as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Rayniece has a professional membership within American Counseling Association (ACA) and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

“My greatest reward as a therapist is helping my clients discover ways to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to look forward to the future with hope. I provide my clients with a warm, nonjudgmental environment to warrant that they have a safe place to explore the issues that may be preventing them from living the life they want. I allow my clients the setting they need to process their thoughts and emotions. I incorporate the techniques within the theories of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Play Therapy to ensure that each client’s unique needs are met.”

Modalities: CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, Solution- Focused Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy

working with families, children, adolescents, and adults. I am trained in CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, TF-CBT, and Solutions Focused Therapy to assist my clients with healing and reaching personal goals. Maintaining a non judgemental, supportive, and guiding approach is crucial in being able to make a positive difference in the lives of my clients.

the state of South Carolina. While her experience in the counseling field has primarily been within medical settings, she has been able to learn to work with diverse populations, a variety of concerns, and view overall health in a holistic way. Though she has a lot of experience using modalities such as CBT, CPT, and DBT, Merlyn knows that counseling is not a “one size fits all” and enjoys being flexible to be able to meet the needs of her clients. Her beliefs when it comes to therapy is that change is a natural part of life and that everyone has the ability to change. Everyone needs support sometimes to learn coping skills, how to recognize and hone their strengths, and just feel seen and heard. Whether it is anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or a life change, Merlyn hopes to be able to provide a non-judgmental welcoming space where the client feels safe to be vulnerable. She believes that all are welcome in the counseling space, but also recognizes the specific challenges that come with one’s unique identities and is mindful about these truths. Merlyn is honored to be able to walk alongside clients as they work towards healing and deepening their understanding of themselves and the world around them.

your first steps on the journey of improvement. I am a licensed independent social worker (LISW-CP) and was educated at the University of South Carolina for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I have a background in inpatient/forensic psychiatry, as well as training and knowledge in many various treatment modalities. These allow me to blend them all in unique ways to structure treatment especially for you. I am happy to work with all populations, cultures and backgrounds in living a life worth living.

benefits they possibly can from the counseling experience and know that the treatment they’re receiving is tailored to their needs.

I specialize in trauma therapy but am also experienced in working with many mental health diagnoses amongst a very diverse demographic of clients. I received my undergraduate degree from Guilford College in 2005, majoring in Psychology. I spent some time as a case manager for persons with Developmental and Cognitive disabilities before pursuing my master’s degree at Capella University.

I graduated with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling in 2014. From there I worked as a Bereavement Counselor providing support and methods of coping with the loss of a loved one. I went on to work in outpatient mental health care where I treated clients with diagnosis’ such as Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Schizoaffective Disorder as well as those wanting assistance with stress management, boundary setting, assertiveness and/or improving their self-esteem.

I decided to attain more specialized training in trauma as I saw the need for such services. I have worked with clients who have experienced traumatic events including child or adulthood sexual abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, emotional abuse, military trauma and significant losses such as the death of a loved one or divorce. I am certified in the following trauma-based therapy models; (EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy with my clients. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples.

On a personal note, I am a single mother to one energetic and creative daughter. In my free time I enjoy traveling, spending time with loved ones, attending live shows and binge watching my favorite movies and television shows. I realize for some, entering counseling is not an easy decision so I try to be the best guide I possibly can be on this healing journey.

University in Ohio and went on to receive my M.S.W degrees at the University of South Carolina. I have worked with a variety of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, Behaviorism, Motivational Interviewing, Client- Centered, and Solution Focused, among others.

My goal is to work with you to help you navigate a specific challenges, work on personal growth, or wanting to explore other aspects of your life. I want you to feel safe, welcomed and able to be your true self so that together we can address different challenges and provide you with the tools you need to make changes to better your life . I’m here to support you throughout your journey to becoming the best you.

overwhelming sometimes but guess what… we don’t have to go through these times alone. I will meet you “where you are” in your healing journey and will walk beside you along the way. I am a licensed professional counselor and have experience working with adults and teens who struggle with trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief.

Some of the modalities of treatment I use are Person-Centered therapy,
Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavior therapy, Grief therapy, and
Trauma-Informed therapy; however, I will tailor your treatment to your individual needs. First and foremost, though, I will help you feel safe, comfortable, validated, and supported. Thank you for considering Oceanic Counseling for your therapeutic needs, and I look forward to the opportunity of working with you!