Holly D. French, M.Ed., LPC, CCTP-II
Holly is the founder and director of Mindful Upstate Counseling, and she is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over fifteen years of experience working throughout the upstate of South Carolina in a variety of settings. Holly is passionate about helping others live a fulfilling life, her family and friends, and continually learning new things. When Holly is not working, she spends her time reading, knitting, crafting, learning new things, and experiencing life with her two kids and husband.
Holly grew up in southwest Georgia, and then left home to complete a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development and Family Studies at Auburn University. In 2007, Holly and her husband moved to South Carolina where she completed a Master’s of Education in Community Counseling at Clemson University. Since living in South Carolina, Holly has worked in a wide range of mental health settings which have helped her grow professionally to develop her areas of specialty and treatment techniques.
Holly is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, and her areas of specialty include trauma, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD and behavioral problems, anger management, family and life adjustment problems, and women’s issues. Though, Holly’s passion is working with complex and developmental trauma and dissociative disorders. Holly works with most ages groups through a variety of therapeutic services, and she implements individualized dynamic interventions drawn from a range of techniques and methods including, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, polyvagal theory, somatic experiencing therapy, solution-focused therapy, eco-therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (including trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy), mindfulness and skills training, and other mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches. Holly believes client-counselor collaboration is essential for successful treatment, and she values the bravery each individual exhibits as they enter the counseling office.
Tiara Stokes, BA, Counseling Intern
Tiara Stokes is a graduate level intern studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Clemson University. She is from the state of West Virginia, where she obtained her Bachelor of Art in Psychology and Musical Theatre from West Virginia Wesleyan College.
As a Counselor-in-Training, Tiara exercises a focus on a person-centered and integrative approach. She believes that clients are unique in what they need, whether it’s actively collaborating to create and work toward goals, or simply building meaningful relationships and support systems and knowing you’re not alone. Tiara has an interest in working with teenagers, young adults, and adults experiencing mood or neurodevelopmental disorders. Tiara also believes that counseling can be beneficial even if no disorder is present.
In her leisure time, Tiara finds joy in participating in athletics, drawing, singing, theatre, and gaming.
Kyle Pfannenstein, BS, Counseling Intern
Kyle Pfannenstein is a Graduate level practicum student studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Clemson University. He is originally from Wisconsin, where he completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology at University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.
As a counselor Kyle aims to create a space free of judgment where collaboration towards goals and living fulfilling life can be explored. He recognizes that counseling can be an intimidating experience and focuses on developing a comforting environment and fully understand each client’s unique needs. Kyle enjoys taking the time to learn everyone’s worldview. Kyle has a variety of clinical interests but primarily focuses on providing counseling that is tailored to clients’ individual experiences.
Outside of counseling, Kyle enjoys staying active through working out at the gym and playing hockey. He also enjoys gaming, reading, and binge-watching shows in his free time. Kyle has a newfound interest in exploring the Greenville area including the beautiful trails in the area and the great spots the city has to offer.
Katie Thackston, BS, Counseling Intern
Katie Thackston is a graduate level practicum student studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Clemson University. She is from Atlanta, Georgia, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology from Georgia Tech.
As a counselor-in-training, Katie utilizes an integrative approach that is grounded in feminist therapy. Katie believes in collaborating with clients and including them in each step of the
counseling process, and she favors approaches that incorporate mindfulness, acceptance, and value exploration. Katie is LGBTQ+ affirming and is interested in working with teenagers, young adults, and adults. Her professional interests include trauma, ADHD, and life transitions.
Katie enjoys spending time with friends and family and playing with her kitty Geo, and she likes
to stay active by going on walks and lifting weights. Katie loves music, and she is currently
re-learning to play piano and bass guitar. Katie is new to Greenville, and she is enjoying
exploring everything it has to offer (especially the food).