Today we’d like to introduce you to Ernesta Adams.
Hi Ernesta, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I first discovered my passion for the field of mental health in high school while completing a career-focused project. That experience sparked a deep curiosity about the human mind and behavior, which led me to major in Psychology at Winthrop University. With each course, my fascination and commitment to understanding people grew stronger.
After earning my undergraduate degree, I continued my journey by pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling also at Winthrop University. Following graduation, I gained experience across several areas of counseling, including substance abuse treatment, inpatient care, home-based therapy, and serving as the campus mental health counselor for two local colleges.
After the birth of my first daughter, I realized I wanted more flexibility and autonomy to balance my career and family life. That realization inspired me to transition into private practice. I began by working within a local group practice to gain experience, and after a few years, I took the leap to open my own practice, Adams Clinical Services, LLC.
Owning my practice has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Through both challenges and growth, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about business ownership, client care, and balance. I deeply value the flexibility to create a schedule that supports both my clients and my family, which now includes my husband and our two daughters.
In recent years, I’ve expanded my focus to trauma-informed care, completing specialized trainings in EMDR and Brainspotting, with plans to complete Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) training early next year. I also recently expanded my licensure to include both South Carolina and North Carolina. Additionally, I’ve begun offering clinical supervision for provisionally licensed therapists. An experience that has been incredibly fulfilling and has allowed me to give back to the next generation of counselors.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say my biggest struggle has been having to become more business minded in addition to being clinical minded. As therapist we are trained to be client focused, empathetic and supportive, which of course are very important to be a genuine counselor. However I have also had to shift part of my thinking into how to help my business be successful so that I can continue providing for my family and the future of my practice.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Adams Clinical Services, LLC?
Adams Clinical Services, LLC is a trauma-focused private therapy practice based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, with licensure and services extending into North Carolina. I specialize in helping adolescents and adults heal from trauma, anxiety, burnout, and emotional overwhelm through evidence-based, deeply transformative approaches.
What truly sets my practice apart is our emphasis on depth of healing. I integrate trauma-informed modalities such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting to help clients access and release stored emotional pain at the nervous system level. These approaches allow for profound, lasting relief rather than temporary fixes.
I’m also passionate about providing intensive trauma therapy options, which allow clients to engage in deeper, focused healing work over an extended session or series of sessions. This has been an incredible way to help clients make significant progress in a shorter period of time, especially for those with complex trauma or busy schedules.
Beyond direct client care, I’m proud to support the next generation of mental health professionals by providing clinical supervision for provisionally licensed counselors (LPC-As/LCMHC-As). I view this as both a responsibility and an honor guiding new clinicians to find their voice, confidence, and ethical grounding in the field.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Adams Clinical Services reflects both professional excellence and genuine humanity. My goal has always been to create a safe, welcoming, and empowering space, one that feels both clinically grounded and emotionally warm. Whether clients walk into my office or join virtually, they can expect compassion, authenticity, and a personalized path toward healing.
Ultimately, I want readers to know that I truly value the work that I do with my clients. Healing is hard, and I want to be a support along the difficult journey.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Outside of being a therapist, I am very introverted. I enjoy spending time at home or outings with my family or friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adamsclinicalservices.clientsecure.me/
- Instagram: @Adamsclinicalservicesllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Adams-Clinical-Services-LLC-61550847312267/
