Today we’d like to introduce you to Keristen Mazyck
Hi Keristen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Safe Space Counseling developed organically, as I believe in allowing space for growth and learning without pressure. From a young age, growing up in Charleston, I was drawn to working with individuals often misunderstood due to assumptions based on their geographical location or school. Raised by a retired nurse mother and a taxi driver father, I witnessed firsthand the strength of people society often viewed as weak, especially due to challenges like limited healthcare, transportation, and resources. My early involvement in programs like Teacher Cadet, Health Science partnership program with MUSC, and leadership programs at The Citadel sparked my desire to serve both hospitals and schools. Over 15 years, I gained experience in educational settings, healthcare working with chronic illnesses and mental health, and in administrative roles overseeing housing programs with Roper St. Francis. These diverse experiences, along with my deep connection to the Charleston community, fueled my confidence to establish Safe Space Counseling, a private practice addressing the severe need for child-focused counseling in the area. As a social worker by nature and a therapist by heart, I am committed to not only counseling but also advocating for emotional, social, educational, and housing needs in my community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While the road to building Safe Space Counseling has been largely smooth, it hasn’t been without its challenges. The passion and commitment I have for this work keep me grounded and prevent me from becoming overwhelmed by the barriers that come with running a private practice. Many private practice providers avoid accepting joint state and government-funded health insurance plans due to regulatory hurdles and complex billing processes. However, in my commitment to serving and advocating for children and families in the Tri-County area, I find it meaningful to face these challenges in order to maximize my reach and ensure comprehensive care. I often remind myself of “the why” during challenging days of navigating insurance. However, acknowledging early on that I can’t do this alone has made a huge difference. Having an Office and Administrative Manager has helped smooth out the daily imperfections and provided invaluable support in managing the logistics, allowing me to focus on what truly matters—serving the families who rely on Safe Space Counseling.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Safe Space Counseling was founded to create a welcoming environment for children, parents, and their support systems. At Safe Space, we believe in the power of a village—advocating for children and their families through a holistic approach. We understand that to truly support a child’s emotional well-being, we must also address other aspects of their life. What sets Safe Space Counseling apart is our commitment to connecting with not only the child but also their healthcare providers, families, school support team and other supportive networks. Our counseling services are deeply integrated with resources, advocacy, and collaboration among all those involved in the child’s life.
We offer individual, group, and family counseling, with a specialization in children facing behavioral challenges, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. While we focus on children, we also work with adults. Additionally, as a certified Parent Coach, I provide coaching for families navigating the challenges of toddlers, teenagers, and young adults. Most notably, we partner with local non-profit community organizations and Charleston County School District to provide onsite counseling and advocacy services.
What I am most proud of is the trust and meaningful connections built with the families who come through Safe Space Counseling. Seeing the impact of our work and knowing that families feel supported and heard is what drives me to continue to serve and expand our offerings. Safe Space Counseling is not just about therapy; it’s about fostering an entire support system for those who need it most.
How do you define success?
Success, for me, is experienced daily through moments of connection and growth, like when parents and children walk in with smiles or when a child who starts off quiet leaves saying, “Mrs. K, you’re silly.” It’s about staying grounded in your “why” and staying true to what drives you. While new strategies can be appealing, I believe success comes from focusing on the basics and aligning your actions with your core values. It’s not about external measures or data, but the internal satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from being true to your purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.safespacecounseling.info/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safespacepediatriccounseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087947753599
