Irene Lagan Chambers

MS, LPC, CSAT

Core Counseling was founded in Charleston, SC, by licensed professional counselor Irene Lagan Chambers. While she holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Lagan’s true education has come from the memorable connections that she’s made with people from all walks of life through her world travels, mission work, writing opportunities and years as a therapist. Every interaction has helped shape Lagan’s core beliefs and values, and Core Counseling clients benefit from her unique perspective.

Irene comes to clinical psychology by way of a biology and philosophy background. She earned her Masters degree from the Institute for Psychological Sciences (now Divine Mercy University) in Virginia, and completed a post-masters program in Health Coaching from Maryland University for Integrative Health. Irene has also earned a degree in philosophy, and a degree in religious and cultural studies in Rome, Italy, where she worked as a broadcast and print reporter. She is a member of the South Carolina Psychology Association and the South Carolina Association for Licensed Professional Counselors.

Irene loves learning and has always been passionate about the role of culture and belief systems in shaping behavior. She also advocates for promoting health habits that support mental and physical health.

On a more personal note, Irene enjoys a vibrant family life. Her passion for faith and family, learning and serving others continue to inform her practice and are invaluable assets in building strong therapeutic relationships.

Jennifer McNamara

LCSW

Raised in NYC, Jennifer's passion for knowledge and healing led her to enroll in grad school after 9/11 to pursue a Masters in Social Work. She graduated from Adelphi University in 2006, after having completed two clinical internships; one at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Division of Substance Abuse Program and the other at St Christopher's in their Foster Care Support Office.

After pausing to raise her family, Jennifer returned to work as a residential counselor at Silver Hill Hospital in CT where she worked for almost three years in their Transitional Living Program, specifically within the Eating Disorder Unit, Women's Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorder Unit and the Adolescent Unit. Afterwards, she worked for almost two years at Catholic Charities in their Behavioral Health Counseling Services in Norwalk, CT. She left in 2019 to pursue working in private practice as a psychotherapist.

While living in CT, Jennifer was the chairperson of the town's Domestic Violence Task Force focusing on awareness and educational programs for both adolescents and adults. She volunteered at the local Crisis Center and as a catechist teaching religious education to children. Jennifer completed 200 hours at the Open Center in NY to become a registered Yoga Instructor. She has an unwavering commitment to health and nutrition and believes in the ability to heal whether it's mentally, emotionally, spiritually or physically. She is trained in DBT, EMDR and IFS.

Jennifer enjoys living near the "Holy City" and has come to love the charm, warmth and hospitality of the South. She loves the outdoors, walking/hiking, reading and learning.

Suzanne O'Connor

Originally from the Boston area, Suzanne attended the College of Charleston with an undergraduate degree in English and pursued a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from The Citadel.  Upon graduating from the Citadel she moved to Ireland and spent 6 years living in Dublin and working in suicide research.  

Suzanne has spent years working with diverse populations in the Charleston area and is committed to establishing a safe and collaborative relationship with each of her clients.  Suzanne's strength lies in meeting people where they are and supporting clients who are navigating areas including anxiety, depression, trauma, women’s health and life transitions.

Suzanne loves living in Charleston which she has called home since 1993.  Spare time includes raising 3 teenagers, caring for 2 dogs, reading, running and enjoying all that Charleston has to offer.

Rachel Willoughby, MA

Counseling Intern

Rachel is a counseling intern. Her path toward counseling has been shaped by years spent walking alongside students, families, and individuals during important seasons of growth and transition. Through her work in education and ministry, she discovered that what she valued most was not simply teaching information, but building relationships, listening well, and supporting others as they come to better understand themselves and navigate life’s many adventures and challenges.

Rachel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Ave Maria University and later completed graduate studies at International Theological Institute, where she earned both a Master’s degree and Licentiate in Sacred Theology. She is currently pursuing graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Divine Mercy University where she is expanding her therapeutic skills and evidence-based approaches to emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Before entering the counseling field, Rachel spent several years teaching Geometry, Latin, and Sacred Scripture classes in secondary education. She also spent five years serving in parish leadership at a Catholic parish in North Carolina. Those experiences strengthened her appreciation for the many ways people experience relationships, identity development, grief, and life transitions, while reinforcing the importance of creating spaces where individuals feel genuinely seen and understood.