Feeling isolated, sad, anxious, confused? Or are you struggling with a difficult personal or work relationship? Sometimes life is just overwhelming and that has never been more true than with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. Please know that you really aren’t alone in these struggles and that you aren’t “crazy” either. My name is “Pam” Manning and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in SC. Whether you are struggling with short term dilemmas related to your current circumstances or desire to delve deeply into your psyche to better understand yourself and develop an increased sense of purpose, I would be honored to support your journey. Forty-three years ago, while studying psychology at Wofford College, I began working with children and families impacted by violence in Upstate SC. I went on to serve as child protection worker and in permanency planning and adoptions. Over the years I continued working with children, adolescents and their parents in a variety of settings… foster care, residential treatment facilities, psychiatric hospitals, alternative schools and at a shelter for folks impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. As my interest in helping people heal from traumas grew, I returned to college, earning a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling in 2008 from Webster University in order to hone my skills and better serve my clients. What I have learned over the years is that the human spirit is incredibly resilient. We are capable of great things in our lives if we can learn to cope with the circumstances that inevitably confront us. Philosophy and Approach: The overriding philosophy I utilize in my work is that of Existentialism. This model purports that many of the challenges of human existence are universally applicable to all peoples. Thus, problems all people face, such as loss, freedom, responsibility and the meaning of life are viewed in terms of natural stages in normal human development rather than in terms of maladjustment or mental illness. My overriding philosophy of existentialism is enhanced by the Biopsychosocial Model that underscores the individual’s unique life circumstances such as ethnicity, sex, gender identity, biological or physical challenges and socioeconomic strata. I utilize a Client Centered approach which incorporates an eclectic toolbox of techniques that have a common theme… they have all been thoroughly researched and are considered as “Best Practice” techniques. These include but are not limited to, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy and Play Therapy. I love the work I do, it is often challenging but never boring and I find that really getting to know a person is a gift… for me but also for my clients as they learn what they are actually capable of. I approach my work with a deep sense of commitment. The level of anguish that many people struggle with can be crippling and I have found that often, with support, newly mastered tools and a caring guide, people can heal from unimaginable trauma, achieve balance and even joy! I will honor your journey but will not back away from challenging you when your choices are ineffective or self-sabotaging. I look forward to joining you as you embark on the adventure of your life … the adventure of creating the best, most productive, joyful life you can!