Lavon Pinder
she/herLicensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Spirituality, Anger Management, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Relationships, Grief, Depression, Anxiety
Self pay costs
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
My name is Lavon Pinder, and I have been in practice for 22 years. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Francis Marion University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University. Drawing on both my education and clinical experience, I work with clients navigating depression, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, and grief—helping them build resilience, find meaning, and move toward greater emotional well-being.
I focus on communication challenges, isolation, social anxiety, life purpose, forgiveness, divorce and separation, caregiver stress, women's issues, and postpartum depression. I support clients navigating self-esteem concerns and major life transitions. My style is collaborative and person-centered, using evidence-based practices to help you gain insight.
Taking the first step toward counseling can feel overwhelming, and it is completely understandable to have questions or uncertainty about beginning the process. If you are feeling stuck, hurting, or simply ready for support, I invite you to schedule an appointment.
"As a therapist with more than two decades of experience, I support individuals through some of life’s most challenging moments. "
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I recognized my desire to help others early on in my life. I have always the ability to listen, validate, and encourage others during difficult times. While exploring how best to utilize these skills, I discovered counseling as the ideal career path for me.
What types of clients do you work best with?
I work best with the adult population, those 21 and up.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?
The therapeutic process is collaborative. We both have work to do. Therapy is not just about the hour that we spend in session, but when the client utilizes what they have taken away from the sessions in daily life. This is how true change occurs.
What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?
Clients can expect their first session to be a safe, supportive, and welcoming space where they can share what has brought them to therapy. I take a compassionate, person-centered approach, so the first session is focused on getting to know you, understanding your concerns, and learning about your background, values, and goals. We will typically begin with introductions, review what you hope to gain from therapy, discuss any immediate concerns, and identify initial goals for our work together. We will begin exploring what meaningful change looks like for you and how therapy can support your healing.
What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?
While completing the requirements for state licensure, my licensing supervisor required me to go to therapy. I value that experience, because it has been invaluable to me, as it helped me to gain understanding of how the therapeutic process feels from the other side of the "desk". I helped me to grow in compassion for others in this process.
How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?
I believe the initial stages of therapy are the most important. In building the therapeutic alliance, I listen and take note of current and past experiences and issues. This helps me to get to know the client and work with them to formulate an effective treatment plan.
- Years in practice
- 113 years
- Graduating institute
- Webster University
- Graduating degree
- Master of Art in Counseling
