L M (Loretta) Hartley-Bangs , LISW-CP

L M (Loretta) Hartley-Bangs is a licensed social worker in South Carolina who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, and life changes. She brings 36 years of experience to sessions and focuses on practical steps people can use right away.

Loretta listens first and asks simple questions to understand what matters most to each person. She uses straightforward techniques to manage mood, reduce anxiety, and address trauma symptoms. Sessions focus on what the client wants to change and small habits that lead to better days.

Her work often covers family conflict, communication problems, and codependency. Loretta also supports caregivers, people coping with aging or geriatric issues, and those dealing with substance use concerns. She pays attention to how family of origin issues affect current choices.

Women who are navigating identity, life transitions, or the stress of caregiving will find a clinician attuned to those concerns. She also has experience with young adult issues, bipolar and mood disorders, and social anxiety or phobia. Treatment blends practical skills with an understanding of past hurts.

Clients can expect a calm, nonjudgmental tone in sessions where goals are set together. Loretta uses evidence-informed methods to build coping skills and motivation. Her style aims to help people move from feeling stuck to taking manageable steps forward.

Approaches and what online therapy looks like

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the client's goals and personal experience; the therapist listens closely and helps people find their own solutions, which can be useful for stress, life transitions, and relationship issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, examines thoughts and behaviors to find small changes that reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches concrete skills for managing emotions, tolerating distress, and improving interpersonal effectiveness, which helps with mood instability and high stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss your needs and preferences and recommend methods that match your goals. This is a collaborative process that may combine elements from different approaches as progress is made.

Online therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to make care more flexible. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when visual cues help the work. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when you prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and text messaging are useful for quick check-ins, brief coaching, and when written reflection fits your schedule. These options help fit therapy into work, caregiving, or busy days while keeping the focus on practical skills and steady progress.