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Our Counseling Team

Our counselors have over 100 years of combined experience

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Nancye works with individuals, families and couples to explore and heal from life obstacles. She meets clients where they are to move towards the meaningful life they want to be living and her approach as a therapist is integrative, solutions-focused, and practical. The trust and safety of the therapeutic relationship allows her to help clients address their suffering and journey of growth.


Nancye is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Employee Assistance Professional. She works with clients on a wide range of behavioral and mental health issues, with areas of specialty to include Depression, Anxiety, Trauma and EAP. She is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).

Kevin B. Byrd, LISW-CP, MAC

Nancye Vernon, LISW, CEAP

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Kevin is a licensed master social worker clinical practitioner (LISW-CP) and master addictions counselor (MAC). Kevin received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina in 1998 and his master’s in social work in 2009. Kevin specializes in depression, anxiety, substance abuse, behavioral issues, mental health, and personality disorders.


Kevin’s treatment approach is founded in DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and includes an eclectic array of approaches to treat each person individually according to their specific needs. Kevin views treatment as a collaboration between two people to boost self-esteem, increase healthy coping skills, and decrease levels of stress/misery.


Kevin provides counseling services in Columbia as well as Chapin (1710 Chapin Rd. Chapin, SC 29036)

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Greg L. Dahl, MRC, LPC, MAC, LAC

Greg is a US Navy veteran. He specializes in addressing Substance Use Disorders, Process Addictions, Mood Disorders, Family related  issues, and Employment related issues. Greg received a degree in Business Administration & Management, graduated Magna Cum Laude, as well as earned a Rehabilitation Counseling Master’s degree from USC School of Medicine/Dept. of Neuropsychiatry & Behavioral Sciences.

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Greg also is affiliated with the following commissions and professional bodies:

-USC School of Medicine/ Dept. of Neuropsychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

-Recipient 2011-USC School of Medicine 

-National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

-SC Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors

-SC Coalition against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

Jamie Minter, LISW-CP, CGRS

Jamie is a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LISW-CP) and certified Grief Recovery Specialist ® committed to helping people find emotional balance in their lives. Jamie received her Masters degree in Social Work from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and completed the Grief Recovery Method ® certification training.  Jamie has a background working in community mental health outpatient and inpatient, substance abuse treatment centers and hospice. 

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Jamie’s practice is guided by her training in Transactional Analysis, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology and the Grief Recovery Method®, an internationally-acclaimed action program for moving beyond death divorce and other losses. Her personal style is designed to guide and inspire people into a new awareness of their special gifts and to break free from negative patterns of thoughts/behaviors that hold us back.

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Trish has been working in private practice for 19 years. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario Canada and obtained her Master's degree in Counseling  from Webster University.

 

Trish has specialized training in Anxiety Disorders and for adults, teenagers and children.  She also works with individuals who are experiencing depression and heightened stress due to changes in life circumstances or relationships. 


Trish uses a combination of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but emphasizes the connection between mind and body to reduce symptoms of distress.

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Lynnie Leopard, AADC, CRC, LPC, MAC, LAC

Lynnie has been working in the counseling field for 25+ years. She completed her undergraduate degrees in English and Psychology, where her initial counseling focus was working with victims of domestic violence. She obtained a Master's in Religion and Pastoral Care, a Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling, a graduate certificate in Psychiatric Rehabilitation and a graduate certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies.

 

Lynnie has worked in a variety of work settings and currently holds a State and National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor certification along with a National Rehabilitation Counselor certification. Lynnie has worked with alcohol/drug treatment, and treats patients with mental disorders as well as those who simply needs help adjusting to change. Lynnie works with patients 12 and up.

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Jo-Ana is a licensed professional with the goal to provide others with a therapeutic safe place while using different models of treatment. Jo-Ana works with children, adolescents, families, and adults.


Jo-Ana specializes in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), for those who have experienced a traumatic event/s. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which gives a new set of coping skills, increasing the ability to handle moments of distress, improve emotional regulation, and the ability to work with others. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which decreases signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other difficulties. Family Systems Therapy uses an approach with the goals of finding a functional balance of togetherness and individuality within each family unit.

Benjamin Peele, LISW-CP

Benjamin is a clinical social worker with a passion for helping people push through the challenges life can throw at us.  He received his Master of Social Work at the University of South Carolina in 2018 and immediately began working with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health until entering private practice in 2024.  Benjamin has experience working in with a broad variety of cases both in the inpatient hospital setting and in a community mental health center.

 

Benjamin's practice incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-based methods, and Logotherapy among other practices to help address each client's individual needs.  He works with clients age 16 and up to build the skills and support needed for long-term health.

LIFE IN BALANCE
COUNSELING CENTER

Phone: 803-451-7600

Fax: 803-451-7604

140 Stoneridge Dr. Suite 210 Columbia, SC 29210

©2020 by Life In Balance Counseling Services.

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