Meet Our Therapists

Sarah Cooper

Andrea Exley | Alyson Flint | Amanda HallMegan Kekich

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Sarah Cooper, LCSW, LCAS
Owner of Dogwood Counseling

Sarah established Dogwood Counseling in 2016 with the hope of building a practice to provide exceptional mental health care services with like-minded clinicians.  Sarah believes in meeting clients where they are and honoring the individual journey of every client.  Her approach emphasizes the importance of a supportive, collaborative relationship between therapist and client.  Sarah views therapy as a process through which we can gain self-awareness and allow ourselves the opportunity for growth and change.  Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist with over 10 years of experience. Sarah works with individuals ages 18 and up.  She specializes in treatment of substance use and addiction, anxiety, depression, pregnancy and postpartum support, and maternal mental health.  Sarah received a BA in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill and a Masters in Social Work from UNC Charlotte.

Sarah offers both in-person and telehealth appointments. She is also certified to provide telehealth for SC residents (SCLLR Credential #128). Sarah accepts Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Humana, MedCost, and United/Optum insurance plans, offering weekday daytime appointments.

Contact Sarah directly at sarah@dogwoodcounseling.com or 704.617.0756.

SCLLR Telehealth Registration Listing https://llr.sc.gov/TeleHealth/Counselor.html

Andrea Exley, LMFT, LCAS

Andrea believes that the relationship with her client is the biggest key toward change. She is not afraid to hear the hard truths that you do not share with others. Andrea finds it an honor and a privilege to come alongside someone who trusts her enough to share their life, the good and the bad. Through the therapeutic relationship, she provides a safe and inviting place to be vulnerable, to process life adjustments, and to begin learning healthy coping skills.

Andrea is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist with 10 years of experience. Drawing from family systems, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral approaches, she collaborates with adolescent and adult clients on their personal journeys towards lasting change. Andrea has training in EMDR, CBT, DBT, and somatic experiences, specializing in trauma, PTSD, emotional disturbance, and behavioral issues. Additional concerns she enjoys working with clients on include childhood trauma, sexual trauma, family conflict, attachment issues, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, poor self-esteem, anxiety, anger, and addiction.

Andrea received a BS in Psychology from Appalachian State University and Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Lee University. She is currently accepting Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Humana, MedCost, United/Optum, and self-pay clients for both telehealth and in-person appointments (Murphy office location). In her spare time Andrea enjoys spending time with her family and outdoor activities.

Contact Andrea directly at andrea@dogwoodcounseling.com or 828.361.4423.

Alyson Flint, MSW, LCSWA

Alyson believes that sharing one’s experience and thoughts without judgement can lead to a greater understanding of the self, and when combined with goals and action, leads to self-growth and reaching one’s fullest potential.  She strives to offer a comprehensive therapy approach, taking into consideration the person and their environment, and meeting you where you are. 

Alyson has experience working with adolescents, adults, and groups but specializes in college students and young adults struggling with adjustments.  Her focus areas include anxiety and anxiety management, panic attacks, life stress and changes.  Alyson uses a mind, body, and spirit approach and incorporates mindfulness and other intentional, non-judgmental practices to therapy.  She enjoys using creativity in her practice as she finds it both stress relieving and a great outlet for those feelings that don’t quite fit into words.

Alyson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate.  She graduated from UNC-Charlotte with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology and a Master’s degree in Social Work.  Alyson is currently accepting Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and self-pay clients for teletherapy.

Contact Alyson directly at alyson@dogwoodcounseling.com or 980.292.2481.

Amanda Hall, MA, LCMHC

Amanda enjoys helping others strive for health and healing while working towards positive growth. She is an empathic, compassionate, and person-centered therapist. Amanda integrates Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Problem Solving, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy to assist each unique individual and family with identifying and reaching their goals.

Amanda is an experienced Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who works with individuals. She specializes in women’s issues for all ages. Some of her additional focus areas include depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, parenting, self-esteem, survivors of domestic violence, anger management and grief. Amanda looks forward to helping you become the you that you desire to be.

Amanda received a BA in Psychology and Sociology from Belmont Abbey College and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir Rhyne University.

Amanda is offering telehealth appointments only at this time. She is also certified to provide telehealth for SC residents (SCLLR Credential #182). Amanda accepts Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Humana, MedCost, United/Optum, and self-pay.

Contact Amanda directly at amanda@dogwoodcounseling.com or 980.446.2870.

SCLLR Telehealth Registration Listing https://llr.sc.gov/TeleHealth/Counselor.html

Megan Kekich, LCAS, LCMHCA, CSI

Megan cares about supporting people in holistic healing. She believes the best way to find the answers to our problems are through re-aligning with our intuition and living in accordance with it. She aims to create a safe environment where people can process underlying trauma and life-challenges that are getting in the way of them doing so. Part of her work with people is about reframing and challenging negative self-talk, helping set realistic short-term goals to aid in accomplishing long-term ones, improving emotion regulation, and developing mindfulness skills. She is an ally in all forms and addresses people-problems regardless of labels. She strives to help individuals gain the inner peace, clarity, and direction they are looking for.

Megan is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, Clinical Supervisor Intern, and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate. Her experience includes working with adults 18 and up with substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and other life-challenges that interfere with people living their best lives. Some of these areas include anxiety, depression, stress-management, trauma, grief, family-systems issues, anger, and self-esteem. Megan understands that trauma and painful memories get stored differently in the brain and body. She is trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Experiential Therapeutic approaches, which are helpful for working with traumatized individuals. Megan also supports people in clarifying their strengths and coping skills prior to diving deep into trauma in order to ensure that they can effectively navigate the strong emotions that may arise.

Megan graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University and a Masters in Clinical Psychology from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Megan is currently accepting United Health Care, Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and self-pay clients for both in-person and telehealth.

Contact Megan directly at megan@dogwoodcounseling.com or 980-553-0195.