Mary Bennett Pickens, M.Ed., LPC
senior Associate
Originally from Macon, GA, Mary Bennett has resided in South Carolina since attending the College of Charleston and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, minoring in sociology. Mary Bennett received her Master of Education/Educational Specialist degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Clemson University. She now lives in Beaufort with her husband, Michael, and their dog, Cooper.
In her spare time, Mary Bennett enjoys reading novels, traveling to new places, and spending time near the water, whether it is an ocean, lake, or river. She has also recently enjoyed practicing creativity through poetry and painting. Mary Bennett has a particular interest in early relationships and how they help shape one’s life experience and perspective. She also hopes to begin research on trauma within religious institutions and its impact on one’s view of self and the world.
Mary Bennett has been trained in a particular type of trauma-focused therapy known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Areas of clinical focus: trauma recovery, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, relational dynamics, couples counseling, women’s issues.
Lawson Metts, MA, LPC
Associate
Lawson, originally from the Lowcountry, moved to the Upstate for several years and is excited to return home to Beaufort. Lawson received her Bachelors from the University of South Carolina-Beaufort in Human Services in 2015. She then moved to the Upstate and received her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gardner- Webb University in 2019.
Lawson has clinical experience working with children and adults; however, she is most passionate about working with children. Lawson first started working as an ABA (Applied Behavioral Analyst) therapist which started her love for clinical work with children.
Lawson loves spending time close to the water with her family and dogs. She always looks forward to finding new adventures, especially close to the ocean.
Areas of clinical focus: Children and adolescents, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, emotional regulation and anger management. LGBTQIA+ affirming!