Find the right fit…
Welcome to the vibrant world of LGBTQ+ therapy in Columbia, SC. Let’s embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth together. Embrace your uniqueness and share your story with us. Here, authenticity is celebrated, and your voice matters. Join us and let’s create a safe space for healing and acceptance.
Your story is what sets you apart. We, the 6 therapists of Kayla Sweet Counseling, are here to listen, understand, and support you every step of the way.
Kayla Sweet, LPC
My name is Kayla Sweet, and shocking, I am the owner of Kayla Sweet Counseling.
I started solo, hoping to create a safe space for the queer folks of Columbia, and in time it has grown into a community of safe Clinicians and Clients.
I personally work with clients ages 13 and up to navigate queer issues, relationship stress, anxiety, and depression.
I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with clients to create an individualized approach for treatment.
Outside of being a therapist, I enjoy spending time with my amazing partner, playing with my goofy dogs, fan-girling over Taylor Swift, drinking iced matcha lattes, getting tattoos, and finding ways to give back to the LGBTQ+ community.
Samantha “Peka”, LPCA
Hey! I’m Peka (she/they), your friendly neighborhood nerd. I am passionate about providing multicultural competent and trauma informed care. I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma therapies, mindfulness, and existential therapy. I am certified to write Letter of Supports for Gender-Affirming Medical Treatments. I am happy to assist those experiencing and living with mood disorders, personality disorders, neurodivergence, and other human life experiences (e.g., suicidal thoughts, self-harm, difficult emotions, people pleasing). As a queer and neurospicy gremlin myself, I aim to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for all my clients, especially those in the LBGTQ+, BIPOC, kink, polyamorous, and sex work communities, to be seen, heard, and validated. Outside of therapy, you can find me in my goblin cave playing video games and watching anime. Rare sightings include indulging in my favorite restaurants, traveling, and getting tattoos.
Brianna Drake, LPCA
My name is Brianna (Bri) Drake (she/they), and I like to help folks work through intellectualizing their emotions, specifically the "I know this isn't true, and I still feel like it is" feels.
I work with various mood, trauma, and personality disorders, including BPD. I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and trauma therapies, with a focus on severe symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and dissociation. As a queer, gender fluid person myself, I support clients of all sexual orientations and gender identities. I enjoy providing BIPOC, kink, polyamorous, and sex work communities a place to feel seen, heard, and respected. Outside of therapy, I devote almost all of my time to collecting crystals, finding new ways to nerd out, and being obsessed with my cats.
Nick Benehaley, LPC
Hi there! I'm Nick Benenhaley (she/ they). I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor that resides in Columbia. I am a graduate of Columbia College Class of 2018 and University of South Carolina Class of 2020. I found myself venturing down this path after going through my own mental health battle, which inspired me to pursue an education in counseling. Over the last couple of years, I have found my calling working with trauma, personality disorders, neurodivergency, and the LGBTQ+ community. As a queer and neurodivergent person myself, I like to create a space of acceptance, empathy, and provide a space for exploration and education as well. In my free time, you'll find me video calling my fiance who lives in Tokyo, Japan or even doing something creative (art, music, writing).
Ty’Keyana Mickles, LPC
My name is Ty and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor. I’ve worked with teens and adults who are navigating the ups and downs of life—whether it’s battling the blues, managing stress and anxiety, working through anger, boosting self-esteem, or untangling tricky relationships.
My approach? It’s all about meeting you where you are while also empowering you to take those meaningful steps toward the life you envision. I believe we’re all doing the best we can, and with a little guidance, change is always within reach.
Outside of therapy, you might find me crocheting up something cozy. Just like in therapy, I love taking a bunch of loose threads and turning them into something beautiful.
Ashley Bonnette, LPC
Hey y’all! My name is Ashley “Tupelo” Bonnette (she/faer). I am a nationally certified and licensed professional counselor with a background as a victims service provider. I hold two bachelor’s degrees from Columbia College in Psychology and Studio Art. I earned my Masters of Education for Counseling from Augusta University. I have spent time serving populations in community, inpatient, and crisis settings, including acute psychiatric care and child advocacy centers in South Carolina.
I affirm and embody fat, queer, and neurodivergent identities, and aim to cultivate a space that is healing and empowering for all who give me the honor of taking the journey with them. Some of my areas of expertise are trauma, cluster b diagnoses, gender identity exploration, grief, and dual diagnoses.
When I am not in the office serving clients, my passion falls within the combined realm of counselorship and advocacy. As such, I enjoy dedicating my efforts to various group counseling sessions, trainings, conferences and other psycho-educational events. Additionally, as a vocal proponent for self-care, I take time to enjoy my hobbies when not in session. These include writing poetry, creating art, cuddling with my reptiles, and re-playing the Kingdom Hearts series!
Emily Boening, LPCA
I’m Emily (she/her) and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A). I’ve had experience working with LGBTQIA+ folx, women and women-allied humans, couples and poly systems, college students, and adults with ADHD.
I am, as they say, eclectic. I utilize concepts from ACT, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), solution-focused (SFBT), family systems, narrative, and feminist therapies, just to name a few. I believe that everyone is deserving of a big, beautiful life. I hope to join you as you build yours.
Outside of the office, I spend my days with my partner, our sweet cats, playing cozy games, deep diving into Taylor Swift lore, devouring whatever fantasy book found its way onto my shelf, or camping out at a music festival.
