Hi! I am Angela Smith. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in North Texas. I have been in the mental health field since 2013. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked for the local mental health authority in case management and crisis intervention, an inpatient hospital, and in private practice. I understand how hard it can be to start counseling and open up to someone. I am glad you are ready to make yourself a priority and move through this season of life with help.
The first session will be about getting the full picture of what you are going through, your history, your strengths and needs, and setting goals to work towards a more peaceful life.
As a counselor my greatest strength is experience in life and practice. I have been through many changes and challenges in my life that helps me to understand and empathize with your experiences. I have experience as a professional helping many people to learn ways to manage whatever comes their way.
I use this approach to focus on your strengths and supports to find positive change. This is useful when client's want short-term counseling to find solutions rather than delving into underlying issues.
I find mindfulness in therapy useful for anxiety symptoms. We will work towards being aware of thoughts and emotions, and then use focus on senses and surroundings to regulate. This increased awareness helps them avoid destructive or automatic responses or habits.
I began using CBT in 2013 while working as a case manager for my local mental health authority center. I learned the benefits of the structure and implementation of coping skills.