You’re Looking for Something Real

We know how overwhelming it can feel to face life’s challenges—whether it’s the strain of a relationship, the weight of anxiety, or a sense of being stuck. You’re not just looking for someone to listen; you’re searching for clarity, connection, and a path forward.

At Alcova Therapy, we see you, and we’re here to help you find the meaningful change you’re ready for.

You’re feeling disconnected—

…from your partner, from yourself, or from the life you imagined you’d be living. Maybe the weight of anxiety or conflict has left you exhausted, uncertain, and stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Relationships might feel strained, communication may feel impossible, and emotions like frustration or loneliness are building.

Whatever brought you here, you know something needs to shift.

You don’t have to stay stuck. The fact that you’re here shows that you’re ready to break free from the overwhelm and start creating the life and relationships you deserve. At Alcova Therapy, we provide the tools, guidance, and support to help you move forward. Together, we can rewrite your story, rebuild your connections, and help you find clarity and purpose on the other side of the challenges you’re facing.

Finding the Change You’re Ready For

The Therapists Behind Alcova Therapy

Liz Chichester, PhD | Founder

Hi! I’m Dr. Liz Chichester (pronounced Ch-eye-chester). I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PhD). As a therapist, I feel incredibly lucky to help people move past obstacles and thrive for a living. I’m deeply committed to providing high quality, theory-driven therapy in a warm, safe space and founded my practice on this commitment. Together, we’ll walk through the toughest parts of your inner world and find a way forward toward a meaningful, connected life.

Couples and Individual Adults
SPECIAL EXPERTISE:
- Clients in a struggling relationship (sometimes as a support to couples therapy)
- Clients considering, going through, or recovering from divorce
- ADHD
- Perfectionism
I specialize in using attachment- and mindfulness-based therapy approaches to help my clients manage stress, anxiety, and relationships. I've completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and rely heavily on these models in my work. I believe deeply in the importance of using scientifically developed treatments in therapy AND in the importance of being able to relax and relate to your therapist. My goal is to balance these needs in every session by tailoring treatments to where you are and providing them with warmth and compassion.
- I’ll always work to see and understand your experience
- I’ll be intentional in our work – always maintaining a mental map of where we should be headed to help you most
- I’ll provide comfort when you need it and a gentle push when you’re ready for it
My Professional Experience:
I received a B.A. in Psychology from Bryn Mawr College and a Masters and PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia, where my research work focused on maintaining relationships between incarcerated mothers and their children. I’ve been studying and working with relational issues in therapy since the earliest days of my training and honed my skills working with individuals and high conflict couples in primary care at the University of Virginia and in VA clinics in Lexington, KY and Charleston, SC. I founded my own private practice in 2018 after completing my post-doctoral fellowship in Couples and Family Therapy at the VA Hospital in Charleston and I absolutely love running a practice where I can help my clients AND mentor the next generation of well-trained, high quality therapists.
Outside the Office:
When I'm not working, you can usually find me spending time with my husband and son, preferably by the water or trying a new restaurant...or BOTH if possible! My most fun fact is that I’m a certified scuba dive guide. I absolutely love living by the water and am happy to call Charleston home.

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Heather Kranz, PsyD | Therapist

Hi there! I’m Dr. Heather Kranz. I am a licensed clinical psychologist (Psy.D.) specializing in helping couples and individuals navigate relationship distress, anxiety, and life transitions. I’m honored to hold space for my clients however they show up each session…with a smile, in tears, or in a raging conflict. Wherever you are, my goal is to meet you there fully and use my training to help you find a way out.

Couples and Individual Adults
Special Expertise:
- Clients struggling in relationships (separately or together)
- Clients navigating life transitions
- Clients struggling with stress and anxiety
I take pride in creating a warm and welcoming experience in therapy; I know how hard it can be to look inward and explore, especially when you’re in pain. It’s vital to me that you feel connected to me and have trust in the quality of our work. I’ll keep you informed about the where and why of what we’re doing so you feel safe and know we’re headed in a meaningful direction. I’m trained in a variety of evidenced-based approaches, and focus primarily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples.
- You will feel seen, accepted, and safe
- I will not give you the answers, but I will help you find them
- Our work may not always be linear, but I will always know the direction we’re headed
My Professional Experience:
I obtained my bachelor’s degree (BA) in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine; a master’s degree (M.Ed.) in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Texas at Austin; and a master’s degree (MS) and doctoral degree (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from the Stanford Psy.D. Consortium in Palo Alto, CA. I previously worked as a Clinical Interviewer in the research department at The Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX as well as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Austin, TX. My training experiences include: inpatient, outpatient, and college counseling settings. I’ve been working in private practice in Charleston for the past 7 years and am thrilled to have landed in this practice.
Outside the Office:
Outside of the world of psychology, I’m drawn to farm animal sanctuaries, nature, and Longhorns football. In my spare time, I enjoy riding my horse, Martini, visiting my home state of New Mexico, and spending time with my husband and our two young sons.

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Brittaney Maples Smith, MA, LPC-A | Therapist

Hi! I’m Brittaney Maples Smith. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and I love being a therapist. Getting to sit with you and help you thrive as you navigate the twists and turns of this complicated thing we call life is not always easy, but it’s always rewarding. In our work, I want you to feel seen, comforted AND gently challenged to grow. Watching my clients take risks in therapy and break free from patterns that have kept them stuck is thrilling and fuels me every day.

Couples and Individual Adults
Special Expertise:
- Teachers (As a prior educator, I work to give back to the community by working with educators at a discounted rate)
- College Students
- Clients reexamining their relationship with religion (individuals and couples)
As a former teacher, I saw first-hand how important healthy relationships are to our emotional health. That experience led me to focus on attachment-based therapies that prioritize strong, healing connections with ourselves and others. I believe strongly in using proven therapy models to bring the most effective work to my clients and have completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). When I found EFT, I knew it was the exact approach I’d been searching for and getting to bring this transformational work to my clients in both individual and couples therapy energizes and excites me every day. My goal in every session is to pair this knowledge and training with warmth and deep, tuned-in listening to create the trust and safety we all need to explore our inner world. If you’re ready to dive in, I’d love to be your guide.
- You will feel seen, respected, and challenged
- Your identity will be affirmed
- We will work collaboratively toward healing and living a more fulfilling life
My Professional Experience:
After a decade working in secondary education, I received my M.A. in Counseling from The Citadel's Graduate College in 2024. I’ve honed my skills working with clients in recovery from substance abuse at Barrier Islands Psychiatry, with college students at the College of Charleston’s Counseling Center and through an internship in evidence-based couples therapy. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and combine that with an Acceptance & Commitment Therapy theoretical approach in order to fit the clinical needs of my clients.
Outside the Office:
Outside of work, you can find me spending time with my husband, and dog, or reading a good book. I’m a mountain girl at heart, originally from Tennessee, and I love being outside and surrounded by friends and family. Charleston has been my home for over 10 years and I truly wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

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Anna White, MA, LPC-A | Therapist

Hello! I'm Anna White, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I could not ask for a more rewarding job than being a therapist. I love helping people find themselves and their best lives through therapy and I'd love to be part of your journey.

Couples and Individual Adults
SPECIAL EXPERTISE:
- Therapy for LGBTQ+ folx (individuals and couples)
My therapy approach is all about connection. I’m trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy. We’ll use these models to uncover a deeper connection to yourself and your happiness, and/or cultivate a more secure, trusting connection with your partner. It’s a journey of deep, transformational work, and I’d love to go there with you.
- You will experience a warm, accepting space to dive deeper into your experience.
- You will develop a deeper understanding of your, and potentially your partner’s, emotional needs.
- You will build resiliency and strength through vulnerability.
My Professional Experience:
I received a B.A. in Psychology from The College of Charleston and a Masters in Clinical Counseling from The Citadel. I've sharpened my skills working with medically vulnerable patients at MUSC and veterans and their partners in the Couples and Family Clinic at the Ralph H. Johnson VA and I'm thrilled to continue my career at Alcova.
Outside the Office:
Outside of the office, I enjoy living the laid-back low-country lifestyle with my partner and our two dogs.