My name is Toby, and I am a licensed professional counselor associate. While I am newly licensed, I am certainly not new to helping people. For more than 30 years, I have devoted my life to walking alongside others through some of their most challenging seasons. Whether supporting individuals and couples in crisis, counseling those struggling with addiction, or mentoring younger adults, helping others has always been a central part of who I am. Pursuing licensure was a natural step in making that lifelong calling official. 

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One of my core beliefs is that human beings are wired for connection and attachment. We thrive when we experience healthy relationships—with others and with ourselves. Regardless of what brings you to counseling, I want to help you identify and heal the places where connection may have been disrupted, wounded, or broken. As one of my heroes has stated, “substantial healing” is possible. 

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I am particularly passionate about helping Young Adults or individuals in Midlife navigate seasons of transition and crisis. Whether you are facing relationship challenges, major life changes, questions of identity and purpose, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to help you move toward greater clarity, healing, and growth. My approach is both trauma-informed and solution-focused, shaped by professional training as well as my own experience of healing from PTSD. 

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Education and Professional Background 

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I have known since the age of sixteen that I wanted to work in a helping profession. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Clemson University and later completed my first master's degree in my twenties. After spending much of my career serving others in nonprofit settings, I returned to graduate school in my fifties and recently earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Erskine College. 

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My professional experience spans a wide range of settings and populations. I began my career working closely with ordinary people facing extra-ordinary challenges. I have also walked with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and their families. Additionally, I have also worked with individuals living with severe mental illness in hospital settings, as well as people facing the everyday difficulties that can arise when life takes an unexpected turn. As you can see, my experience is varied. 

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I am currently pursuing certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and continue to deepen my training in attachment-based approaches to counseling. If you are interested in learning more about attachment theory or EFT, you can learn more here.

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What’s it Like to Work With Me 

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I believe that every single person who is willing can experience meaningful healing. There IS hope. 

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I know this, in part, because of my own story. Growing up as one of six children raised by a single mother, I never had the opportunity to know my father. I also experienced significant trauma and abuse during my childhood. Those circumstances could have defined and confined me for a lifetime. Instead, through my own journey of mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual growth, I found healing and freedom—and today, I have the privilege of helping others pursue the same. 

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Of course, not everyone is facing severe trauma or overwhelming challenges. Sometimes we simply feel stuck - whether individually or in a significant relationship. Perhaps we find ourselves repeating unhelpful patterns, or simply need a fresh perspective to move forward. Whatever your situation, I genuinely believe that growth and positive change are possible, and I would be honored to walk alongside you in that process. 

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As your counselor, I become your advocate. People who have worked with me often describe me as encouraging, insightful, and empathetic. I like to put it more simply: I am “for” you. When we’re sitting together, all my attention is on you, to make you feel safe to explore whatever is going on, together. 

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Areas of Focus 

 

I primarily work with young adults, adults, and couples who are navigating life's challenges and transitions. While every client's story is unique, I frequently help individuals and couples address concerns such as: ​

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• Marriage, family, and relationships

• Trauma, addiction, and addiction-related family issues

• Anxiety and depression

• Grief and loss

• Men's issues and personal growth

• Spiritual concerns and faith-related issues​

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My Therapeutic Approach

 

I believe that meaningful change happens when people feel safe, understood, and supported. Because every person and every story is unique, I tailor counseling to each client's specific needs, goals, and circumstances. My aim is to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where we can work together toward healing, growth, and lasting change. 

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My approach is both relational and practical. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) to help clients better understand themselves, navigate difficult emotions, improve relationships, and develop effective strategies for moving forward. We talk about the problems so that we can move towards solutions. 

Above all, I view counseling as a collaborative process. You know your life much better than I do. My role is to learn, to bring perspective, guidance, and support as we work together to identify obstacles, build on strengths, and create meaningful progress. 

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A Little About Me 

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I have been married to my wife, Katie, for 30 years. Honestly, it's a little astounding that we've made it this far—but we continue to grow, both individually and together, through all of life's challenges and joys. 

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We are also the proud parents of four grown children. Our youngest is currently a student at Clemson University, and our oldest recently welcomed our first grandchild into the world. Becoming a grandfather has been one of life's greatest gifts—and a reminder that I'm older than I feel. 

 

When I'm not counseling, I enjoy watching sports, cooking, baking, gardening, and reading. Katie and I love hiking and working out together. I'm also an avid swimmer. 

Additionally, I have the privilege of teaching at Veritas Preparatory Academy in Greenville and coaching YMCA soccer. I don't do either because I have to—I do them because I enjoy investing in the lives of young people. 

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Final Message to Potential Clients 

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If you're considering counseling, chances are something in your life isn't working the way you'd like it to. Reaching out can feel intimidating, and taking that first step is often the hardest part. But you don't have to figure everything out before you call, and you certainly don't have to face it alone. 

Whatever brings you here—relationship struggles, anxiety, grief, trauma, a major life transition, or simply feeling stuck—my hope is that you will find counseling to be a place of safety, honesty, growth, and healing. There is hope, and meaningful change is possible. If you're ready to take the next step, I would be honored to walk alongside you in the process.