Dr. Chayah Stoneberg , LISW-CP

Dr. Chayah Stoneberg is a psychotherapist, educator, and spoken word artist based in Columbia, South Carolina who weaves humanities and expressive arts into clinical practice to help people navigate grief, loss, and emotional distress. Drawing on a background in literature and palliative arts, she frames therapeutic work through creative and narrative forms so clients can explore meaning and process difficult feelings in grounded, embodied ways.

She practices as an LISW-CP, which stands for Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice, a social work credential that authorizes clinical assessment and therapy. In her private work she addresses trauma, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and the specific needs of veterans, integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Art Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to tailor interventions to each individual.

Stoneberg has contributed clinically at Hopeful Counseling & Psychiatry and currently provides services online. As director of arts programming at Palliative Arts, she applies humanities-based methods such as poetry, visual arts, and expressive movement to support bereavement and palliative care work. Her background in higher education includes roles teaching humanities and serving as Assistant Professor of Humanities and Writing Center Director at Allen University from 2013 to 2017.

Arts-Informed and Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Care

Dr. Chayah Stoneberg combines several practical therapeutic methods to meet a range of needs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then clarify personal values and take committed steps toward a meaningful life; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to distress and teaching skills to reframe thinking and change habits, which can aid with mood concerns, worry, and sleep difficulties. Art-based methods use poetry, visual arts, and expressive movement to access emotion and memory when words alone are not enough, and they can be especially helpful in processing grief and loss.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Chayah Stoneberg works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for scheduling and access across locations, including international clients. These formats allow licensed professionals to deliver consistent, ongoing support while accommodating varied lifestyles and practical constraints.