hope-la (hohp-lah) n.

1. a great deal of excitement, commotion, energy, or attention created about the confident expectancy that hope promises about the future.

2. a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere surrounded with hope.

As we go through life, at some point we will face challenges, adversity, and uncertainties that give us valid reasons to become burdened, fearful, and discouraged. When facing such challenges, we can hang on to God's promise that hope will not lead to disappointment. So, if in your toughest moments, you are struggling to awaken your hope and celebrate its promise, let us help you rediscover its possibilities.

Dr. Andrea L. Darden is a distinguished leader and licensed clinical social worker with a remarkable career spanning over 20 years in the field of mental health and social work.   As a breast cancer survivor, her approach to providing services is deeply informed by personal experience and professional practice. She understands that the path to recovery, hope, and resilience is, by no means, an easy one but it is one that you and your loved one have the strength to overcome.

Dr. Darden is the founder and chief therapist of Hope-La Center for Therapy, Wellness, and Training in Columbia, SC which complements her extensive professional experience in community mental health, allowing her to offer a holistic and comprehensive approach to mental wellness.  She is committed to training and educating the next generation of mental health professionals, providing supervision and guidance to master's and doctoral-level interns in her practice.  She is inspired daily by her faith and her family. Her unwavering commitment to positive change and advocacy for mental health services have made her a respected and influential figure in the field.

She has been recognized as a Champion of Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions by both the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT).  Additionally, she possesses various certifications and credentials in trauma-focused therapies such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TFCBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).