Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas.
Hi Thomas, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I took the scenic route on my journey to professional counseling. I graduated from Clemson University in 2008 with a degree in Business Management, though at the time, I had no idea how I would eventually use it. While a student, some friends and I started a wakeboarding camp, and we truly believed it would be our lifelong career. However, we quickly learned that running a camp is much easier when you all live in the same town; once everyone scattered across the Southeast after graduation, the venture fizzled out.
As I searched for my next step, I transitioned into several ministry roles. I was frequently ‘volunteered’ to learn the ropes of filming and video editing, a skill set that eventually led me to launch my own production company in Atlanta. For years, I traveled the Southeast shooting music videos, live events, weddings, and marketing packages. Throughout that chapter, people often told me I was easy to open up to and suggested I would make a great counselor. I filed that thought away, telling myself, ‘If this business doesn’t work out, I can always go back to school.’
In 2014, the time finally came. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and began seeing clients in May 2016. My career took me through various settings, from inpatient hospital work to private practice, before I eventually connected with Daniel Norman at Greenville Counseling Associates. I found a true home there among wonderful coworkers and clients.
In early 2024, a casual conversation changed everything. I mentioned to Daniel that my family had checked out a house near Clemson—not because we were looking to move, but simply because we saw a listing and thought, ‘Why not?’ Little did I know, that comment set off gears in Daniel’s brain. He connected the dots between the growing demand for mental health services in Clemson and my potential as a director for a new practice. After many conversations and a long search for the right office space, we finally opened the doors to Clemson Counseling Group in August 2025. We’ve since welcomed an amazing counselor, Melicia Tanner, to the team and are growing month by month. It has been—and continues to be—an incredible journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our biggest struggle was finding office space in Clemson. The demand is very high and the supply is almost non-existent for what we needed. It took us almost a year to find the right space.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Clemson Counseling Group?
Clemson Counseling Group is a professional counseling practice with two full time therapists serving adolescents, families and adults of all ages to navigate the challenges that life throws at us. We are located at 1376 Tiger Blvd close to downtown Clemson. We specialize in trauma, anxiety and depression whether related to work, relationships or school. We are best known for being clinically trained and competent whiliblical lens. e coming from a Christian worldview. We use clinical tools and approaches that fit with a Biblical lens.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way people can support is by telling people who may benefit from our services about us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.counselingclemson.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-buchanan-90506929/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/clemson-counseling-group-clemson-sc/1579856
