Columbia counseling practice opens expanded downtown office

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Jill Smith + Associates Counseling recently celebrated the official grand opening of its new and expanded office located at 1777 Bull Street in downtown Columbia with a ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration.

“We are thrilled to have another booming small business in our community,” said Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “Jill Smith + Associates’ commitment to providing exceptional counseling services has not only transformed individual lives but has also strengthened the social fabric of our community.”

The 4,600-square-foot historic building, nestled between the BullStreet District and Main Street District, was meticulously renovated to combine modern functionality with the preservation of its historical charm. With an increased number of counseling offices and additional parking, the new office space will accommodate a growing team of certified counselors while maintaining the high standard of patient care JSA is known for, according to a news release.

"This building is a dream come true,” said Jill Smith, CEO and founder of the counseling group. “To have such a comfortable and gracious place for our staff to come to every day and to welcome our clients is just indescribable. I am filled with deep appreciation for the warmth and support we have received from this incredible community over the past 20 years to get us here.”

The counseling group opened its first location in Lexington in 2003. Since then, they have served more than 7,000 clients throughout the greater Columbia S.C. region.

“Our community deserves access to top-notch counseling services,” said Lexington Town Councilman Gavin Smith. “Seeing a small business that originated in Lexington grow the way Jill Smith + Associates has fills me with pride for our region and the strength of our local business community.”

Smith partnered with several businesses in the area to transform the new Bull Street location, according to the release.

She worked with Architrave to update the interiors while keeping historical integrity such as the original molding details on the walls. Indigo Design + Construction managed renovations by adding more rooms for counselors. Brookegreen Landscaping transformed the front greenery, while the interiors were handled by Ellen Taylor Designs and Avanti Interiors, according to the release.

“Our vision was to create a space where clients feel cared for and pampered.” Smith said. “We want to elevate the counseling experience.”

The space includes an upstairs specially designated for family and children counseling. These rooms are a safe space for both children and parents, with more capacity for activities. Every door to counseling rooms includes a frosted center with a transparent outline that allows for privacy, yet the feeling of not being enclosed. Details like this were executed to elevate the counseling experience, according to the release.

The grand opening also marks a milestone for the practice, which is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year.