Olive Branch of Hope: Katie Sherfield-Tarver Opens a Sanctuary for Mental Wellness in Laurens

Olive Branch Therapy Services, a newly established mental health counseling service, has opened its doors in Laurens, offering in-person and virtual psychotherapy services. Founded by Laurens native Katie Sherfield-Tarver, MA, LPC-A, this center brings together her passion for mental health and a wealth of personal and professional experiences.

Personal Journey and Motivation

Katie’s path to becoming a counselor is deeply personal. In her early twenties, she was a potter and graphic designer who battled anxiety stemming from traumatic experiences during her undergraduate studies. “A mentor at my church suggested therapy. Though I was hesitant, I was desperate enough to try. The healing I experienced in those sessions not only relieved my anxiety but also altered my life’s direction,” she recounted. This transformative experience in therapy inspired her to help others achieve similar relief. “I knew God was calling me into the mental health field because of all the provisions and doors He opened for me,” she added.

Her dedication to helping others is deeply rooted in the support she received during her difficult times. “I’ve been shown so much grace and love by my husband, family, friends, and church. I want everyone to experience some level of that, even if it’s in a counseling office for one hour per week,” Katie said.

Professional Background and Services Offered

Katie’s Laurens roots are strong, having attended Laurens Primary, Middle, and High schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Visual Art from Lander University and later pursued a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. Her professional journey includes thousands of hours in various settings, including an upstate safe home, a local child advocacy center (Beyond Abuse), and private practices across the upstate. This extensive experience led her to open her own practice in her hometown.

“I offer psychotherapy services with a flexible schedule to accommodate everyone’s needs, including sliding-scale rates to make therapy accessible to all,” she said. Olive Branch Therapy Services caters to diverse client needs by providing in-person and virtual sessions. “In-person sessions offer a more personal experience, allowing for genuine, face-to-face connections, while virtual sessions provide accessibility for those who can’t visit the office,” Katie explained.

Treatment Approaches and Client Engagement

Katie utilizes various therapeutic techniques tailored to each client’s needs, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT). “I also focus on educating clients about their neuropathways and brain processes, helping them understand how these relate to their thoughts, feelings, and actions,” she noted.

Establishing a trusting relationship with clients is crucial for Katie. “I let my clients know that I am human just like them, with my own struggles and issues. I assure them that nothing they share will change my view of them or the hope I have for their lives to improve,” she emphasized. Inspired by her faith, Katie stated, “I see my clients the way Jesus sees us. There’s nothing we can do to make Jesus love us any less, and I feel the same way with my clients.”

Self-Care in a Demanding Profession

Katie recognizes the importance of self-care in maintaining her well-being amidst the demands of her profession. “Taking care of my mental health means that I engage in self-care activities: spending time with my husband, Joshua, camping with my family, and spending time in my pottery studio. It also means creating time in my schedule to just be still with God,” she shared. “Spending time with good friends and family is a must for me. If I have a session or week that’s particularly hard on me, I reach out to my licensing mentor, Heather, who is always a great source of wisdom and encouragement.”

Challenges and Goals

Starting Olive Branch Therapy Services came with challenges. “My hardest challenge was not limiting my vision for what this practice could become,” Katie admitted. With support from her husband, family, and friends, she overcame these fears and is now pursuing her practice full-time.

Katie has big dreams for her practice. “I eventually want a storefront in town and hope to integrate my work with the community, leading support groups and combining my love for art and therapy into something healing for the community,” she shared.

Advocacy and Awareness

As a strong advocate for mental health, Katie is committed to reducing the stigma around seeking help. “I share my own story to make clients feel more comfortable, showing them that they’re sitting with someone who has a past similar to theirs,” she explained. She also keeps herself educated on the latest developments in mental health care to provide the best possible support to her clients.

Future of Mental Health Services

Looking ahead, Katie sees the field of mental health counseling evolving with the increased accessibility of virtual sessions. “I’m excited to see how Olive Branch Therapy Services can adapt to the changing needs of our community,” she said.

Contact Information

Katie’s office is located on the square in Laurens, and appointments can be made by email to [email protected], or call or text to 864-684-4559 . “Once a client reaches out, I send them intake paperwork, and once completed, we schedule their first session,” she explained.

As a proud Laurens native, Katie is committed to contributing to the well-being of her hometown. “I grew up here, participating in community events like Squealing on the Square and attending Friday night football games. I’m thrilled to be able to give back to the community that has given me so much,” she concluded.