Meet Our Counselors
Jamie Moody, PhD, LPCS
Owner/Operator/Counselor
Undergrad Degree/College: B.S. Social Sciences, Charleston Southern University
Graduate Degree/College: M.A. Clinical Counseling, Webster University; PhD General Psychology, Capella University
Experience/Specialties: Dr. Moody has over 32 years of providing counseling for children, adolescents, and adults in a private, confidential setting, for the purpose of enhancing mental health wellness and quality of life in home and community settings. His areas of work include Interpersonal disorders, ADHD, trauma, depression, anxiety, sexual behaviors, vocational, alcohol and substance education, addiction, geriatric counseling, grief/loss and interpersonal enrichment.
Dr. Moody also provides individual training and instruction on assessment, development, and implementation of counseling services, theoretical perspectives, treatment planning, behavior interventions, expectations, outcomes, and documentation as a Practicum and internship supervisor for master’s level students.
Therapeutic Approach: Family Systems Theory, Solution Focused, CBT, Gestalt, Rogerian, Rational Emotive, as well numerous others. Dr. Moody’s primary focus is meeting the client where they are and utilizing approaches in a collaborative manner to maximize benefit for the client
Brandon Aaron – LPC
Therapist
Graniteville
Education: The University of South Carolina Aiken with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications in 2011; Webster University with a Master of Arts in Counseling in 2018
Military Experience: I served 12 years in the Army National Guard and achieved the rank of E-6 Staff Sergeant. I was deployed to Afghanistan from 2013-2014 in which I served as one of the Electronic Warfare Officers for our company.
Experience/Specialties: I have been working with Synergy Counseling Services since 2022 in which I’m the Site Supervisor for the Graniteville, SC location. I’m an active member of the Cross-Cultural Council: The Action Council for Mental Health and Human Services. I’m also an active member of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce to be active and visible in the community in which I serve as a mental health therapist. In my tenure with Synergy Counseling Services, I have helped countless individuals, families, and couples through providing therapy services. I have done this by learning the different therapeutic theories and implementing Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Reality Choice Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Music Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy into counseling sessions. My experience and expertise allow me to equip individuals, families, and couples with the techniques and skills to overcome various life issues such as anxiety, depression, behavior issues, marital issues, LGBTQIA+ support, men’s issues, career counseling, and much more. My passion is to join individuals, families, and couples on their journey to become the best versions of themselves.
Sarah Bartusch – LPC
Therapist
Nexton
Education: Bachelors of Science (English Literature-major; Creative writing and psychology-minors; Indiana State University; Masters of Science, Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Indiana State University
Experience/Specialties: Trauma, depression, anxiety, lifestyle change
Therapeutic Approach: Humanistic approach, Adlerian perspective, with use of CPT, DBT, CBT, and narrative modalities.
Jessica Carder – LPC
Therapist
Summerville
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in English with a Writing Emphasis and a minor in Psychology from Charleston Southern University; Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Charleston Southern University
Experience/Specialties: I have experience working with adults, adolescents, families, and couples. I focus on counseling adults between the ages of 20 and 40 experiencing grief, life transitions and adjustments, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, interpersonal relationship issues, family dynamic issues, abuse, and trauma. I specialize in clients of any age experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depression, suicidal ideations, self-harm behaviors, and suicide attempt recovery.
Therapeutic Approach: I view therapy as a collaborative effort by working alongside my clients to ensure the therapeutic process aligns with their individual set of needs and goals. I strive to create a safe and calm environment for my clients where they receive support and psychoeducation. My therapeutic approach is Client-Centered and includes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Positive Psychology, Mindfulness Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Therapy.
Virginia Cox – LPC
Therapist
West Ashley
Education: Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from The Citadel Graduate College
Experience/Specialties: I began my clinical work in outpatient substance abuse treatment and low-income community mental health treating adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, crisis intervention, and substance use among many others.
Therapeutic Approach: I have a Cognitive Behavioral theoretical background but pulls from various treatment modalities to tailor the specific client’s needs and provide the best care. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can feel better understood, supported and confident. I aim to take the most collaborative approach with clients in developing and achieving their goals. The therapeutic relationship is the most important piece of therapy. Through empathy, validation, being non-judgmental, and understanding, I will invest in building a strong therapeutic alliance with clients to achieve their goals.
Lauren Feliciano-Nieles – LMFTA
Therapist
Summerville
Education: Bachelor of Science, Austin Peay State University; Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Touro University Worldwide
Experience/Specialties: Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy
Therapeutic Approach: I am a marriage and family therapist, trained to work within the various systems you and your family are a part of. I take a collaborative, person-centered approach that acknowledges and emphasizes your personal strengths and abilities. I pride myself on being an eclectic clinician, adept at employing various modalities tailored to meet the unique needs of my clients.
My commitment is to provide a therapeutic space characterized by empathy, compassion, and non-judgment, fostering an environment where you can authentically express yourself. I firmly believe that you are the author of your own story, and my objective is to assist you in crafting a narrative that you can truly embrace and love. Thank you for considering me to be a part of your journey toward
personal growth and well-being.
Cayla Knops – Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor
Therapist
Summerville
Education: Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology at University of Minnesota Duluth. Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling at Touro University Worldwide
Experience/Specialties: I collaborate with diverse clientele, encompassing children, families, individual adults, and couples. I emphasize the importance of fostering a therapeutic relationship within a non-judgmental and supportive environment. I wish to empower clients by assisting them in recognizing and cultivating their strengths and capabilities.
Therapeutic Approach: I bring a collaborative, person-centered approach that focuses on where you are at and what you need in those moments. I strive to create a safe space where we can work on the things you are struggling with using positive techniques. Being authentic helps us build trust so I can support you while also encouraging you to grow. I customize my approach to fit you, using proven methods to help you understand yourself better, improve how you handle challenges, boost
your confidence, and increase your overall satisfaction with life.
Sarah McMullan – LPCA
Therapist
Nexton & West Ashley
Education: Master’s in Clinical Counseling from Charleston Southern University
Experience/Specialties: I have experience working with adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, interpersonal/relational conflicts, crises, and other life difficulties and barriers. I also have experience working with children with trauma and social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties through social skill building, and coping skills.
Therapeutic Approach: I use an integrative approach to therapy utilizing eclectic therapeutic techniques and interventions including emotion regulation and coping skills, mindfulness, distress tolerance, person-centered, problem solving, feminist theory, and strength-based training while trying to as a little humor into the tough parts of life. I like most to work with women, LGBTQIA+, and minorities. I also like assisting people with eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. I am naturally a very welcoming and empathetic person, who believes that connecting with people and having empathy creates a safe environment to share the most intimate details of our lives. I will meet you where you are in life and do my best to help you along. In life and therapy, I want people to be able to advocate for themselves and others like them.
Nick Potter – LPCA
Therapist
Summerville
Education: Bachelor of Science, Psychology, College of Charleston; Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Liberty University
Experience/Specialties: Anxiety, Autism, Teacher’s issues, Couples Counseling, Family Conflict, Grief, School Issues, and Life Issues
Therapeutic Approach: I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with techniques from other therapies. CBT explores one’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and their effects on our lives. We will explore what technique works best for you in the first session.
Michelle Rocca – LPC
Therapist
Walterboro
Education: Bachelor of Science & Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development from Walsh University
Experience/Specialties: I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorder, and phase of life issues.
Therapeutic Approach: I use an integrative approach; integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamics, while remaining person-centered. I believe in meeting a person where they are and building upon the skills they already have.
Kristin Rutland – LPCA
Therapist
Graniteville
Education: Master of Science Degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of South Carolina Aiken Experience/Specialties: I have experience working with adults, adolescents, families, couples, and children with depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal/relational conflicts, behavioral concerns, crises, and other life difficulties and barriers.
Therapeutic Approach: My goal as a helping professional is to provide clients with healing, instillation of hope, and the opportunity for healthy growth and development. I enjoy interacting and working with individuals who have experienced emotional distress and other mental health challenges leading to depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, emotional dysregulation, and behavior difficulties. My approach to therapy is through utilizing eclectic therapeutic techniques and interventions including emotion regulation and coping skills, processing trauma, resolving aversive emotions, mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, person-centered, problem solving, behavioral interventions, and strength-based training.
Jackie Sadlon – LPCA
Therapist
Nexton
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology. Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Master of Science, Clinical Counseling. Charleston Southern University
Experience/Specialties: For over 8 years, I worked within the community to assist clients in connecting to necessary resources. I worked in a residential facility for at-risk teens for over 5 years, assisting clients with development of emotional regulation skills, decision-making skills, improve communication skills, and more.
Therapeutic Approach: I primarily use a CBT approach, however I incorporate other approaches as they fit my clients’ needs, such as DBT, solution-focused, and person-centered. I work from a holistic point of view and assist my client in understanding how their environment can impact their mental health.
Sonja Saturday – LPC
Therapist
Goose Creek
Education: Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education
Experience/Specialties: I have experience working with individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, women’s health, and life transitions. Whether clients are navigating difficult emotions, seeking clarity and direction, or striving to build healthier coping skills, I am dedicated to providing support, validation, and practical tools to help them overcome obstacles and thrive. In addition to my clinical work, I have a Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. I served families and educators for 23 years in SC public schools as an elementary school teacher and administrator. I have a deep understanding of social and emotional health within the school environment, and a passion for supporting educators, parents, and their children in fostering health and wellbeing within the school environment.
I am committed to ongoing professional development and staying abreast of the latest research and best practices in mental health counseling. I am also deeply passionate about promoting mental health awareness and destigmatizing conversations around mental illness in our communities.
Therapeutic Approach: My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based techniques, some of these techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Complicated Grief Therapy, Strength-based Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. I believe in the power of creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences at their own pace. Through active listening, empathy, and collaborative goal setting, I work closely with clients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals.