Columbia SC Increased Happiness Help

Counseling for Increasing Happiness in Columbia, SC

Think about the people in your life for a moment. Do you know someone who is genuinely happy? Most likely you do. Now, think about the lives these happy people lead. What is going on in their life right now? Do they have bad days? Most likely, they do. Are they facing a hardship? Again, most likely, they are. The strange thing is that happy people are not usually happy because their lives are easier. No, happy people live in the same chaotic and crazy world as everyone else. Yet, these happy people can belt out the lyrics to “Happy” with Pharrell,

Here come bad news talking this and that
Yeah, give me all you got, don’t hold back
Yeah, well I should probably warn you I’ll be just fine
Yeah, no offense to you don’t waste your time
Here’s why: Because I’m happy…
—“Happy”

What is their secret to riding life’s rollercoaster with a smile instead of a grimace? Everyone who has a blog or podcast also has a suggestion: Make more friends. Try Pilates. Eat these foods. Start each day with a power pose. The good news is that new research has shown that it is possible to become a happier person if people can cut through the clickbait and practice sound mental health exercises.

The process of becoming a happier person is very similar to the process of becoming a physically stronger person. People all have a unique body type and a particular strength level, but when they participate in physical exercises that boost muscle tone, they can improve. Using the right exercises that benefit their body type is important. In a similar way, people have a particular level of happiness they feel, but with the right emotional exercises, they can improve. Many people are looking toward mental health professionals to find a training plan that works best for them.

The counselors at Thriveworks Columbia can distinguish between healthy mental habits and exercises that waste people’s time. If you want to be happier but are not sure how, we are happy to come alongside our clients and guide their way.

Grounding Happiness

There are few guarantees in life, but one is that many things are outside of people’s influence and control. And yet, people often look toward these unstable sources for their personal happiness. Take, for examples, the following situations:

  • Your team won the big game last weekend. You cannot remember the last time you felt so good.
  • You were looking forward to a particular entrée at a particular restaurant, but they are out of it. The whole weekend is now shot.

Do either of these situations sound familiar? Most likely, they do. The details may vary, but there is a regular formula: positive results=positive emotions, negative results=negative emotions. The challenge comes because most people have no say in these outcomes. Therefore, happiness seems random and out-of-control.

But happiness is not random. People can look to a different, more stable source of happiness. It can take time to train their emotions, but over time, people can experience a more grounded, stable happiness.

The process begins with emotional habits that within people’s control. Many people unknowingly obstruct their own happiness. When they identify these negative patterns, they can replace them with positive emotional habits that build up happiness.

Obstructing Happiness

Of course, no one intends to make themselves miserable, but certain habits that people indulge could be doing just that. The following are examples of ways people obstruct their own happiness:

  • Comparison: Looking around at what others have or what they are doing or how they look often produces feelings of inferiority or superiority—not happiness.
  • Entitlement: In The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson perfectly describe how people become happy: they pursue it. Waiting for happiness to materialize without effort is a waste of time.
  • Blame: Unresolved problems smother joy, and blame spends people’s energy on accusations instead of solutions.

Building Up Happiness

When people abandon blame, entitlement, and comparison, they have room for healthier, more positive emotional habits. These positive habits are often the soil upon which happiness grows.

Skilled counselors can point people to which emotional habits they should pay particular attention, but the following lists examples of such habits.

  • Setting a goal – A personal or professional goal can bring focus and excitement to people’s lives. Setting reasonable and achievable targets is the key.
  • Practicing mindfulness – When people pay attention to what they are truly feeling, thinking, and sensing, they often grow in their self-awareness. The key is observing without judgment or analysis.
  • Promoting thankfulness – Writing down a few things each day for which people are grateful means that their minds become focused upon the beautiful, kind, and good things in their life. The key is consistency—taking a moment every day for thankfulness.

When it comes to making positive emotional change, small, consistent steps often take people a long way. When these habits are consistently embraced, people often find that a stable happiness is within their grasp.

Increased Happiness Therapy at Thriveworks Columbia

Being a happier person often means learning new emotional habits. Unfortunately, there are no short-cuts, quick-fixes, or magic formulas for experiencing more joy. Fortunately, there is help. No one has to prioritize their happiness alone. Thriveworks Columbia offers therapy for increased happiness.

If you want to speak to a therapist about how to live a happier life, know that many new clients at Thriveworks Columbia meet with their therapist within 24 hours of their call to us. We do not keep a waitlist, but we do offer weekend and evening appointments. We also accept most forms of insurance.

Let’s get started. Contact Thriveworks Columbia today.

Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 38 5 1 38 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Good people.

★★★★☆
Everyone is very nice and are really easy to talk to!
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Debra Maxwell is Awesome!

★★★★★
Debbie has helped me effectively manage the stress in my current work environment. She has also provided me with practical real-life applications to help me work toward my immediate and long-term goals. I am fortunate to have Debbie as a therapist!
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Amazing

★★★★★
Debbie is such an amazing person to talk to and she helped me through so much in the past year. She has helped me to understand myself and work through my problems. Absolutely amazing :)
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Carlton is Amazing

★★★★★
Carlton was tremendous in helping me to overcome my anxiety issues. I enjoyed working with him and am grateful for the care and skill he provided to help me get my life back. If you're dealing with anxiety and are ready for help I highly recommend, Carlton.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Former Employee

★★★★★
Mrs. Anna Gantt-Gordon has an exceptional personality and attitude in working with clients. She goes the extra mile to advocate and encourages others. Great to work with.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Carlton is Excellent

★★★★★
I am both a client of Carlton's as well as a healthcare provider that sends him patients. Personally, I feel that Carlton is an excellent counselor who has an incredible skill set when it comes to diagnosing and managing a wide variety of situations and conditions. He is an active listener, non-judgmental, and someone I feel comfortable opening up to. He has helped me successfully navigate challenging situations in my life, and I continue to see and trust Carlton to help me continue my growth as a person. I like that he works in the evenings as that allows me to fit counseling into my busy schedule. I drive an hour to see him because I believe in the quality of his therapy. Professionally, he is my favorite counselor to refer patients to because he is easy to access, flexible in his schedule, and I consistently get positive feedback from my patients on their experiences with him. I highly recommend him to anyone needing personal or couples counseling. While I personally do not have issues with addiction, I am aware that he is especially skilled at helping patients manage substance abuse / addictions.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

The best in Columbia

★★★★★
Carlton Andrews was the third counselor I talked to, trying to find the best fit for me and I’m so glad I found him! I connected with him from the first appointment because he makes you feel so comfortable. His skill level and knowledge are excellent. He makes you feel validated but at the same time doesn’t sugar coat anything, he’s tells you what you need to hear. He truly had a passion for wanting to help people. He is gentle, kind and caring. I’m thankful I found him and have him as a safe place to go. I highly recommend Carlton if you are looking for an amazing counselor who will love and care about you.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Couldn’t be more impressed

★★★★★
Carlton is nothing short of amazing. I consider him something of a mentor. It's not always easy talking to someone about deeply personal aspects of your life, but with Carlton, I'm truly at ease. He is patient, kind, a focused listener, and demonstrates an attentiveness rarely seen. Moreover, his insights have deeply resonated with me and given me a solid foundation on which to stand.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Better Me

★★★★★
Carlton has helped me better understand myself, so much. I feel like I’ve unlocked parts of my brain that I didn’t know exist and that I can function better because of it. Also, on days where I’ve been super down or hard on myself, Carlton has always worked me in. I’d definitely recommend trusting him to help you with anything!
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Best Experience

★★★★★
Carlton has done a great job helping me understanding how to navigate my thoughts, emotions, and the overall way I process the world. He’s helped me overcome a lot of resistance and he’s done so with a lot of patience. He’s the best I’ve ever worked with and you should trust him with your experience.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Compassionate & Caring Carlton

★★★★★
Carlton is a wonderful counsellor. Not only does he set you at ease, you can immediately see that he wants the absolute best life for you. As authentic as they come! I'm so thankful that I took a chance on Thriveworks and counseling in general. I'm not sure where I would be without the honest guidance of Carlton and his reserves of patience and understanding.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Carlton Andrews Review

★★★★★
I have been seeing Carlton for therapy sessions for a year now, and he has helped me so much. Not only has he been able to help with therapy, he has helped me with professional training. I cannot be more honest in saying that I have had the ideal therapeutic experience with Carlton. I wish Carlton could be everyone's therapist because he's one of the best!
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Great Place

★★★★★
Kiaya is an amazing counselor ! I'm looking forward to my sessions with her. Everyone was very friendly and I'm so happy that I've found this place.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

So glad I found them

★★★★★
I'm so glad I found Thriveworks! Dr. Pena-Cabana has been so helpful to me and my children. She and the other counselors are very talented at understanding problems and finding effective treatments. I referred a friend, who is also very happy with a different Thriveworks counselor. They are able to treat a variety of problems in adults and children.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Faculty & Service

★★★★★
I highly recommend Thriveworks! The service from the faculty is surperb from the front office to the life coaches & counselors!! I have been going to Thriveworks for 3 years now and, I absolutely love it! They don't treat you like a number like the other places do! If you or someone you know needs couciling then call Thriveworks Mon-Sat! Yes, I said Saturday! They will help you in anyway they can to make you see the light at the end of the tunnel! Thank you Thriveworks for all of the services y'all have provided me with and still do! Without of all of you I don't know where I would be today!
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Dr Pena and her staff

★★★★★
Searching for the right therapist that understands military members and our challenges is like dating, you have to keeping looking around to find the right one. Thank goodness, finding Dr. Pena was a blessing! She is warm, reliable, and trustworthy. She helps me cope with my everyday life challenges stemming from three decades of military and combat service. Jessica makes great use of social media - Skype, FaceTime, and texting which makes it convenient for me to stay in touch whether for appointments or those very important times when I really need to contact her. She is always positive and, at this point in my life, seeking help is not always the easiest thing to do. But having a therapist like Jessica who has an incredible way by asking the right questions to help me get to root of what I’m feeling. She also offered me many valuable tools and recommendations to help me deal with my day to day mental health. Her front staff is very, very efficient, helpful and extremely competent. They are soo sweet. I’ve never had nothing but great service from them over the years. I am so very grateful for having such an intelligent, compassionate and knowledgeable counselor. She has helped me so much! I would highly recommend her to anyone who is serious about their mental health.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Wonderful People

★★★★★
From the moment I first walked through the doors, I have been treated with respect, and care. I feel so at ease with all the people I have met there. I cannot recommend this team of mental health care providers enough!
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Wonderful and caring staff

★★★★★
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate Dr. Pena and her staff. I can't even begin to tell you how much she has helped me. She will go out of her way to make me feel cared for and heard. The fact that she responds to texts and emails shows how much she cares and goes out of her way to make sure I'm ok. I've learned so much these past few months and I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Patrick is a STAR

★★★★★
I was ready to give up hope of ever healing from PTSD when I found Thriveworks. Patrick’s approach using CPT worked when traditional counseling by several other therapists had failed. I really was beginning to believe PTSD was just something I’d have to learn to live with, but Patrick taught me how to work through my issues using the worksheets on my own. As a military spouse, my time with Patrick had a deadline as my husband’s service time at Fort Jackson came to a close. Patrick ensured that I took with me the tools to continue working through my issues long after leaving his office. I can’t thank him enough for changing my inner voice, and giving me the power to stop negative thoughts and process them in a healthy way. Patrick changed my life and after struggling for all of my adult life, I finally have the confidence to live without shame and understand my value. He has a deep understanding of the unique struggles military couples face, and worked tirelessly with my husband and me. Thank you, and Patrick, for teaching me how to save myself and my marriage.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Be your on critic

★★★★★
I've been in and out of therapy and hospitals over the past couple of years. I have had bouts of depression and a lot of trauma that I have had to work through. I also have a pattern of running away and getting mad when I'm challenged or things don't go my way, but this time I didn't run and haven't ran. Dr. Pena was very encouraging, down to earth, caring, and helpful which was a blessing. But warning to all, she is a busy lady and sometimes getting an apt can be tricky. But she will make time and do what she can to see you. My advice is get in and keep your apps, because there is a reason she is busy, but never too busy to return a text or come in when she didn't have to. Thank you because that little bit of care and time actually meant more to me than anyone can imagine.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

PLEASE SEEK HELP ELSEWHERE

★☆☆☆☆
Please don't do business with this company. Your loved one's life may depend on it. I scheduled an emergency appointment and have email confirmation of said appointment. When patient arrived, they were left waiting for an hour and fifteen minutes. At which time, patient expressed concern over wait time, he was informed that they didn't know what happened, but they couldn't see him because they had accidentally cancelled his appointment. For a therapy practice to make these errors and turn away patients in times of high anxiety is unacceptable and unethical.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Poor process for scheduling

★☆☆☆☆
On our second appointment we arrived signed in at sat down. Twenty minutes later I got up to ask the front desk girl what was going on. She spoke to the counselor and came back to tell us our appointment was earlier in the day but the counselor would try to work us in if we waited. I asked when the appointment was she said we were not anywhere on the calendar. I know the time and date we scheduled for. Even if we did come at the wrong time why would they not tell us at check in? Poor systems.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Received a bill a year later

★☆☆☆☆
I first scheduled a therapy session back in April of 2017. I had chosen a particular therapist but when I showed up for my intake interview I was interviewed by someone else. I figured this was the process. I didn't realize that they paired me with a different therapist. After paying for the intake interview, I realized that it would not be a good fit which was no big deal. I called and emailed to cancel my next appointment. Fast forward a year later and ... I receive a bill for the intake interview AND the canceled interview from almost a year ago. A total of $179. I have emailed and called several times. The phone number on the bill does not work. Not one response from the emails. I called the main corporate number and they even agreed that this particular location is hard to get in touch with. I think my bill is now in collections and my credit score has been affected. I did nothing wrong yet I'm paying the price. I would not recommend this location.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Rigging your score

★☆☆☆☆
Rigging your reviews? Don't allow dissenters to post? That's low. Even from you. I guess you found a way to keep people from knowing the truth about how you treat patients there.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Perspective

★☆☆☆☆
I started going to Thriveworks after DSS came into my life and took my daughter and granddaughter. The owner, Dr. Pena, told me she would do everything in her power to help me get them back. The scathing psychological report she wrote for me cost me at least 6 months, of not longer, in my battle.to get them back. Then the court demanded documents answering certain questions. Each therapist, including Dr Pena, that we saw refused to rewrite their statements when the court said it was not sufficient. The only therapist that completely answered the courts demands was Patricia Brandon. The only therapist on the building worth seeing. The only one with honor. Now, almost two years later, I get a text reminding me of my appt. Don't have one of course. But it did remind me to leave my own review. Tried to rate -0 but the thing wouldn't let me. Go figure!
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Highly Recommend

★★★★★
Patrick is great! He challenges you, but in a constructive manner. Scheduling with Thriveworks is amazing!
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Best money ever spent

★★★★★
This place is amazing and what therapy is about. Dr. Pena, Patrick, James, Rachell, it really doesn't matter who you are going to see you will be cared for. Accountability and commitment to helping you move forward with whatever issues you face is where they shine. They listen, they care, they help you set small goals and they help give you the tools you need succeed with your goal. Couldn't ask for a better set up and a great location!
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

A little perspective!

★★☆☆☆
I have the responsibility of providing perspective. I know how damaging bad therapy is. It's possible they aren't bad therapists, and I was a rogue client. It's more likely we were a bad fit, but to all the people who are only looking to nip an imbalance in the bud, do yourself a favor and research. It will save you thousands on appointments. I had sessions with Mr. Pellicer every week and Dr. Pena occasionally for 5 months. Some therapists aren't for everyone, and you shouldn't trust anyone but yourself to make that clear. Feeling worse every week isn't indicative of recovery. I left that office for the last time feeling the same as when I first came in, nothing. If you find yourself coming out of a session feeling like you only have to make it through a week before you get to go back, ask yourself what the therapy is doing to you. I was pushed spirituality as a solution to my problems, but now I know that was never an issue. After a low that landed me in the hospital, I was connected to a more experienced therapist and over roughly 10 sessions, I learned how to trust myself. I came out stronger, but it was hard to accept the absurdity of why I let it all go on for so long.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

OUTSTANDING

★★★★★
Dr. Rodriguez is the best therapist in the world! Her dedication and expertise were above my expectations! I highly recommend her!
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Great People who care!

★★★★★
I was having a hard time with my partner and was ready to give up, but we took a chance after some research and found the help we really needed. Sometime you need someone to sit, listen, and guide you. Thank You!
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Awesome

★★★★★
Had an outstanding experience thanks to Dr.rodriguez.I would recommend
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Wonderful!!

★★★★★
It was difficult asking for help, but the staff and therapist ensured that I was comfortable and made it the best decision. I plan to continue going again.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Amazing

★★★★★
Caring and Intellegent professionals who care about you and are very successful at what they do.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Wonderful and Caring Counselors

★★★★★
Ive worked with a number of counselors over the past few years and have more relief in the past few months then ever before. The caring atmosphere and coffee is a nice touch when you feel down. Dr. Pena and the rest of the staff go out of their way to say hello and care.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

professional and compassionate

★★★★★
The people here actually care and are compassionate. Even when I'm having a bad day and need a little more help then normal... They go out of their way to help.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

the Oasis amongst my chaos

★★★★★
Deceived into moving to this city, I sought marriage counseling and tried three separate counselors and an additional counselor after I was abandoned. Not only did those other counselors not listen properly to be able to understand the dynamics of my situation, they didn't have the proper experience to recognize the complexity of the symptoms I was displaying, nor could they fully understand what I was going through. How can someone help us if they don't understand? They can't. Nor can we teach our children to tie their shoes if we don't know how to tie shoes ourselves. Even though I knew the name of the abuse I was subjected to, I was emotionally dismissed by other counselors throughout the city. Once I found Dr. Pena and read through all her credentials, her experience, her specialties, her background and experience with the Military, I thought she sounded too good to be true. With the complexities of what my family has been through, I finally found some hope again. Dr. Pena is highly intelligent, compassionate, patient, quick witted and humorous. She also pulls no punches, which is what we need sometimes. I only wish I would have found her sooner so I didn't have to go through the hell I've been through alone, without her proper guidance. I am eager to continue learning the coping strategies she's teaching me and to continue to heal and grow as an individual and as a parent. Until my journey is complete and my heart and soul are healed, Dr. Pena shall remain the Oasis amongst my chaos.
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Highly recommended!

★★★★★
The staff at are incredible! Anytime my family and I need something they are always there for us. I highly recommend to anyone needing help. Kudos to Dr. Pena & her team! :)
Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

will never leave thriveworks!!

★★★★★
Absolutely love and the staff! They genuinely care about me and my family! We are not an instance claim.or a case number, we are individuals and treated as such! I would never recommend another theraputical office to anyone else.! I wish I could give 10 stars because they deserve it!!!! HIGHLY recommend to anyone seeking services!
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Thriveworks Counseling

Schedule your first appointment with a Thriveworks Counselor or Life Coach!

  • 2805 Millwood Ave
    Columbia, SC 29205

  • Mon-Fri:7:30AM-9PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

It’s Time to Start a Relationship with a Thriveworks Counselor

It’s not easy, but we’re extremely selective about the counselors, psychologists, and coaches that join our practice. Experience a provider with skill and passion for helping clients make meaningful advances in their lives, relationships, careers, and happiness.


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