Lisa Smith
I believe in leading with empathy and taking a realistic, compassionate, and human approach to counseling. Life can be complicated, and many of the battles we face are not visible to others. I believe that people deserve a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can be honest about their experiences, struggles, and emotions without fear of shame or criticism. My approach recognizes that change does not happen overnight and that progress can look different for everyone. I strive to meet clients where they are while helping them develop greater self-awareness, healthier coping strategies, and practical tools for navigating life’s challenges. I believe we are all deserving of grace, humility, and understanding as we work through difficult seasons and learn to move forward. Through telehealth counseling, I aim to create a genuine therapeutic connection where clients feel heard, respected, and supported while working toward meaningful and sustainable change.
First session
My ideal client is someone who is ready to take an active role in their own growth and recovery. They may be experiencing emotional challenges, feeling stuck, or struggling to balance the demands of everyday life, but they are open to exploring new ways of coping and creating meaningful change. I work well with clients who are willing to reflect on their experiences, practice skills between sessions, and remain open to feedback and new perspectives. I also value working with clients who are open to incorporating self-care into their overall wellness. Together, we can explore practical strategies that support emotional regulation, healthy boundaries, stress management, and a stronger connection to their own needs. My goal is to help clients recognize that self-care is not selfish or simply about taking time to relax—it is an important part of maintaining emotional well-being and building a sustainable, fulfilling life. I strive to meet clients where they are while encouraging them to take manageable, meaningful steps toward the changes they want to make.
Strengths
I believe validation is an essential part of the therapeutic process. Clients deserve to feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment, particularly when they are navigating difficult emotions or life circumstances. At the same time, I believe therapy should provide opportunities for growth and meaningful change. Beyond validating a client’s experiences, I incorporate challenging activities and evidence-based interventions that encourage clients to explore new perspectives, build coping skills, and practice responding differently to difficult situations. My goal is to create a therapeutic relationship where clients feel both supported and appropriately challenged—providing a safe space to process while also encouraging them to take meaningful steps toward the life they want.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is ready to take an active role in their own growth and recovery. They may be experiencing emotional challenges, feeling stuck, or struggling to balance the demands of everyday life, but they are open to exploring new ways of coping and creating meaningful change. I work well with clients who are willing to reflect on their experiences, practice skills between sessions, and remain open to feedback and new perspectives. I also value working with clients who are open to incorporating self-care into their overall wellness. Together, we can explore practical strategies that support emotional regulation, healthy boundaries, stress management, and a stronger connection to their own needs. My goal is to help clients recognize that self-care is not selfish or simply about taking time to relax—it is an important part of maintaining emotional well-being and building a sustainable, fulfilling life. I strive to meet clients where they are while encouraging them to take manageable, meaningful steps toward the changes they want to make.
Treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate basic DBT skills into therapy to help clients develop practical strategies for managing emotions and navigating difficult situations. Rather than focusing only on processing emotions, I help clients learn skills they can apply in their everyday lives. This may include mindfulness skills to increase awareness of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; emotion regulation strategies to better understand and manage emotional responses; distress tolerance skills to cope with difficult moments without making the situation worse; and interpersonal effectiveness skills to improve communication, establish healthy boundaries, and navigate relationships more effectively. I typically introduce skills based on the client’s individual needs and encourage clients to practice them between sessions. The goal is to help clients build confidence in their ability to recognize what they are experiencing, pause before reacting, and choose responses that are more consistent with their values and long-term goals.
Location
Virtual sessions