Jonathan Kittel

Hi, I’m Jonathan.

I love what I do. I love helping people know what needs to change in their life and relationships, and empower them to take steps to reach these goals. My areas of specialty include working with disconnected couples and overwhelmed parents in need of support and guidance.

About Jonathan

The choice to become a counselor was not something I took lightly. Before setting out on this path I had experience in other “helping” professions. I took a lot of time to understand my passions, gifts, and abilities. I have invested great amounts of energy into my counseling education, training, and supervision. For me, counseling is a very central piece to my life’s work. Watching people take steps to change their experience and relationships invigorates me. Being a part of that process is even more incredible and humbling.

Clinical Experience and Areas of Focus

Here’s a bit more of the traditional information you might expect in a typical “bio” page:

• Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Supervisor (LMFT/S), South Carolina
• Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC/S), South Carolina
• Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
• Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
• M.A. in Counseling, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Cum Laude
• M.Div., Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Cum Laude
• B.A., Furman University, Cum Laude
• Psi Chi, The International Honors Society for Psychology, Member
• American Counseling Association, Professional Member
• Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (S.T.E.P.), Certified Instructor

I am the founder and owner of Wellspring Counseling. Before launching Wellspring, I worked at an outpatient group practice where I provided counseling to individuals, couples, adolescents, and families dealing with issues related to depression, anxiety, ADHD and marriage/relationship concerns. I also have prior clinical experience working in inpatient settings, conducting psycho-social assessments and leading group therapy for adults and adolescents with a variety of clinical concerns.

Counseling Approaches Used in Jonathan's Work

Rather than relying on a single counseling method, I tailor my approach to each client’s needs. For couples, I primarily use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help partners break unhealthy interaction patterns, deepen emotional connection, and rebuild trust. For individuals, my work is strongly influenced by Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), helping people experience emotions and relationships in new ways that foster lasting growth, while thoughtfully integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing when those approaches can best support the work.

Beyond the Therapy Room

In addition to my clinical work, I had the privilege of serving on the staff of Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church for nearly 10 years, ministering to youth, families and adults. Many of my clients appreciate that my own worldview is shaped by historic Christian truths. My experience and training make me uniquely suited to address matters of faith and spirituality in the context of therapy–if desired by my clients. When I’m not working with clients, I love spending time with my wife and three children. I’ve lived my entire life in the Upstate of South Carolina. If given the option, I will choose to be outside exploring the mountains, relaxing at the lake, playing sports, or exercising of some kind.