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Where Your story matters…

About Essence of Balance Counseling & Coaching

Essence of Balance Counseling & Coaching is a fully virtual group practice proudly serving individuals, couples, teens, and families across the entire state of South Carolina. Our mission is to create accessible, affirming, and transformative mental health care—no matter where you live or what your schedule looks like.

We believe therapy should feel collaborative, supportive, and grounded in real-life growth. Our diverse team of clinicians brings a wide range of specialties and therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, person-centered, psychodynamic, family systems, and trauma-informed care. We meet each client exactly where they are and tailor treatment to their unique needs, identities, and goals.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, identity exploration, self-worth, or major life transitions, we are here to walk alongside you with compassion and evidence-based tools. Through a safe and judgment-free space, we help clients build insight, strengthen communication, heal patterns, and reconnect with their sense of balance and possibility.

With flexible scheduling, secure telehealth sessions, and clinicians who understand the complexities of modern life, we make therapy convenient, approachable, and deeply human. At Essence of Balance Counseling & Coaching, you’re not just finding a therapist—you’re finding a team committed to your healing, growth, and long-term well-being.

MEET OUR TEAM:

Alexa Williams, MA, LPCS-C, NCC, Owner and CEO

*Insurances Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare

I am the Owner and CEO of Essence of Balance Counseling and Coaching, LLC. Providing 100% virtual mental health therapy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor Candidate. I am licensed in the states of South Carolina, Florida, and Delaware. I am committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for healing and growth.

My work is deeply rooted in serving BIPOC communities and the LGBTQIA+ population, holding space for individuals who may not always feel seen or understood in traditional settings. I believe therapy should honor both your unique story and the cultural context that shapes who you are.

I specialize in individual therapy, helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, and identity exploration. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, meaning I tailor sessions to your needs by drawing from multiple modalities. These include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to identify patterns, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and build coping skills.

  • Psychodynamic Therapy – to explore how past experiences and unconscious processes influence your present.

  • Existential Therapy – to help you find meaning, purpose, and clarity in life’s transitions.

At the core of my work is the belief that healing begins when you feel truly heard and accepted. My goal is to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and respect as you uncover your strengths and move toward a life of authenticity and balance.

I look forward to working with you!

*Self-Pay Only

Amanda Wesley, LPCA

You deserve a space where you can breathe, feel understood, and finally receive the support you’ve been looking for.

I help clients navigate emotional and behavioral challenges with a warm, supportive, and results-focused approach. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, and mindfulness strategies, I offer practical tools that bring clarity, balance, and lasting change.

I work with adults, teens, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, family conflict, behavioral concerns, and life transitions. My goal is to create a safe, empowering space where you feel grounded, confident, and ready to move forward.

If you’re seeking a therapist who is compassionate, collaborative, and committed to your growth, I’m here to support you.


*Self-Pay Only

Sydney Zabel, LPCA

Hi, I’m Sydney Zabel. I’m a licensed addiction counselor and a provisionally licensed professional counselor in both South Carolina and Colorado, as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University and my master’s in Clinical Counseling from Charleston Southern University. I’m currently continuing my education by pursuing an MBA in Healthcare Administration through Capella University.

Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals and couples at many different stages of life and healing. I specialize in supporting people through substance use challenges, trauma, grief, mood disorders, and relationship concerns. No matter what you’re facing, my goal is to meet you with compassion, respect, and a genuine belief in your ability to grow.

My approach is warm, client-centered, and tailored to your unique needs. I draw from the Gottman Method, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and attachment-based perspectives to help you build insight, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you.

When I’m not in the counseling room, you can usually find me outdoors, hiking in the mountains, relaxing at the beach, or spending time with my dog. I also love trying new restaurants with friends and playing cards with my family.

I’m truly lookin forward to getting to know you and walking alongside you as you work toward your goals.

*Self-Pay Only

LaToyla Burns, LPCA

Hi, My name is LaTolya Burns. I am a recent graduate from the University of South Carolina where I have earned my Education Specialist degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family therapy. I am a dedicated therapist who grounds my practice of therapy in systemic theory, viewing individuals not in isolation but as integral parts of the relational systems that shape their lives (family, community, work. In other words, every person is a part of a larger story. 

Instead of focusing soley on individual struggles, I help you see how your relationships, communication patterns, and shared experiences shape the challenges being faced. Sessions with me will be collaborative and supportive. You’ll leave sessions with practical tools you can use right away — from communication strategies to simple exercises that strengthen bonds and resiliency. I believe therapy should feel useful, not just insightful. Whether you’re navigating transitions, coping with grief, managing ADHD, managing substance use challenges, or processing varying degrees of trauma,  I offer practical tools that make change feel possible. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking the first step to improving your mental wellness, let's get started.

Virtual Therapy Services

Initial Diagnostic Assessment:

A comprehensive 60-minute intake session to assess your mental health history, current concerns, and treatment goals.

Individual Therapy Sessions:

Ongoing 45-53 minute one-on-one therapy for adults focusing on anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, identity, self-worth, and relationship challenges.

Couples and Family Sessions:

Family and couples therapy helps partners and loved ones work through challenges, improve communication, and create more balanced relationships. The 45-53 minute sessions focus on building understanding and supportive patterns that promote long-term connection.

Fees & Insurances Accepted:

Self-Pay Rates:

• $100-$150 individual sessions

• $100-$200 family/couples sessions

• Sliding scale fee options available

 

Private Insurances:

• BlueCross BlueShield

•Aetna

•Cigna

•United Healthcare

Medicaid Insurances (COMING SOON-WAIT LIST):

•Molina

•Healthy Blue

• Humana

• First Choice by Select Health of South Carolina

LPC-A Supervision Services

Individual Supervision

I provide individual clinical supervision for Licensed Professional Counselor Associates (LPCAs) in South Carolina.
In our one-on-one sessions, we will:

  • Strengthen clinical skills across diverse client populations

  • Deepen case conceptualization and treatment planning

  • Explore countertransference, ethics, and cultural humility in practice

  • Foster your professional identity and confidence as a counselor

Rate: $75 per hour

Sessions are scheduled virtually for convenience.

Group Supervision

I also offer group supervision for LPCAs seeking collaborative learning in a supportive environment.
Group supervision offers the opportunity to:

  • Learn from peers through case discussion and feedback

  • Expand your perspective on interventions and approaches

  • Build community and professional connection with fellow clinicians

  • Receive guidance on ethical dilemmas and best practices

Rate: $60 per group session (2 hours)
Groups are held virtually and capped at a small size (6) to ensure quality feedback and engagement.

About My Supervision

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor Candidate under the supervision of Tashia Stackhouse-Geiger, LPC-S. Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, families, and groups across all ages. My clinical experience spans a variety of populations, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, and I bring an affirming, inclusive perspective into my work as a supervisor.

I draw from an eclectic approach—primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, and existential frameworks—to help clinicians strengthen their skills in assessment, case conceptualization, and intervention. Because of my background working with diverse clients and systems, I am able to offer guidance that is practical, culturally responsive, and tailored to real-world clinical challenges.

My goal is to support supervisees not only in developing strong clinical skills, but also in building confidence, clarity, and professional identity as future licensed counselors.

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT:

If you’re ready to begin your therapy journey, inquire about supervision, or have questions about services, I’d love to hear from you. Please reach out using the contact form below, or email directly for more information. All inquiries will be answered within 1–2 business days, and your privacy is always respected. Whether you’re seeking support, consultation, or guidance, this space is here to welcome you.