Dara Kaiser

Licensed Professional Counselor

Dara Kaiser, _{M.Ed, Ed.S, LPC}

I have always wanted to work with children and young adults because each person brings in their own unique personality across the spectrum of these formative years. I find such joy in working with all types of young people to help them face their challenges, develop into who they truly can be, and celebrate their many wins along the way. I view the counseling process for children as an opportunity to foster a team dynamic: everyone working together to encourage the child to be involved in goal setting and self-reflection throughout our time together. I work to support my older client’s in a similar way to allow them to find their own voice and independence, setting themselves up for the most positive future possible.

“I believe that kids are the best at being their most authentic selves and want my young adults to feel the same way.”

I work with clients ages 4-22 who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral or adjustment concerns by building strong, trusting therapeutic relationships with young adult clients, as well as with children and their families.

I practice from a person-centered approach and believe that it is crucial to empower clients by maintaining that they are the experts of their own life. I also pull from Cognitive Behavioral and Solutions-Focused Therapies which provide opportunities for clients to practice useful skills related to challenging their current mindsets and identifying their current strengths. I also use age-appropriate activities and play therapy techniques that often make difficult concepts more digestible (and sometimes even fun!) for youth clients.

My Education and Experience:  

I received my Masters of Education and Education Specialist degrees from Clemson University and am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am certified in Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and completed my clinical internships at a therapeutic day school for neurodivergent teenagers as well as a private practice in Greenville, SC. In those settings, I worked with children, teens, and their families who were facing challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, and various adjustment concerns.

When I’m not working, you can find me getting outside as much as possible by walking, hiking, ice skating, taking care of my many plants or playing soccer!