Guiding You Through Life's Challenges

Meet Sheryl McAlhaney

Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MRC, LPC, LAC

"Working with her has been an incredibly uplifting experience.  She creates a safe, non-judgmental space where I can feel truly supported.  Her guidance has not only boosted my confidence but also provided me with valuable tools to enhance my life positively."

Missy M

About Me

Sheryl McAlhaney is a highly experienced Licensed Professional Counselor with over 14 years of expertise in the field. She holds an MA in Human Behavior and Conflict Management from Columbia College, as well as a second master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Carolina Medical School, where she also earned a certificate in Neuropsychiatry. Sheryl has devoted her career to helping adults and couples navigate life's challenges. She is an active member of the South Carolina Counseling Association and the American Counseling Association and was recognized for clinical excellence in Rehabilitation Counseling by the University of South Carolina Medical School in 2010-2011.

My Services

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At New Day Dawning Counseling, LLC, we understand that every relationship experiences both joys and challenges. Whether you’re hoping to strengthen your connection, improve communication, or repair areas of hurt, we’re here to support you in building a healthier, more fulfilling partnership.

For couples preparing for marriage, premarital counseling provides a positive and meaningful way to begin your journey together—helping you establish a strong foundation for lasting love. For couples already sharing life together, couples counseling offers tools to deepen understanding, rebuild trust, and foster renewed closeness.

Our approach is person-centered, creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment where you can feel truly heard and supported. Sheryl integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)positive psychologymindfulness, and solution-focused techniques in individual work, and utilizes the Gottman Method in couples counseling—tailoring each session to meet your unique goals and needs.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is problem-oriented. It focuses on working through specific current problems and finding solutions for them.

Person-Centered

Person-centered therapy operates on the humanistic belief that the client is inherently driven toward and has the capacity for growth and self-actualization

Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is based on the idea that building on our strengths is often a more effective path to success than trying to force excellence in areas we are simply not suited for.

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach, which incorporates positive psychology principles and practices

My Specialties

Couples Counseling

A therapist can help you explore past hardships and other factors that impact how you behave in relationships.

DEPRESSION

It’s okay to feel sad, that’s normal. Although depression can feel like a weight that prevents you from accomplishing daily tasks, it can go on for a while before that weight is lifted. Depression on a surface level is a persistent depressed mood or loss of interest in activities that you typically enjoy.

Anger Management

Anxiety is normal. It’s a function that we all have. However, it can be overwhelming at times and prevent you from living your life.

Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling is all about strengthening a couple’s foundation before marriage so they enter their union with healthy tools and realistic expectations.

Faq

How do I start?

Starting is easy. Simply contact my office and we will set up a time to meet. During our first session I will be going over what issues you are currently dealing with. After that, we will work together to find the right treatment plan for you.. 

What happens after our consultation?

After the first consultation, the next steps vary depending on your individual needs. Once we complete an assessment, we will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific goals and challenges.

What age groups do you treat?

I work exclusively with adults, focusing on providing tailored support for their unique needs.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Therapy can be beneficial for anyone seeking to improve their mental health, navigate life challenges, or gain better self-awareness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just need a supportive space to explore your thoughts and emotions, therapy could be a great fit for you. It’s a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can work through issues at your own pace.

What types of therapy do you offer?

I offer a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to your specific needs, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). Together, we’ll choose the approach that best aligns with your goals and preferences.

// Take the First Step //