LCSW, 14 years of experience
Hello and welcome! If you are seeking help with relationships, marriage, addiction, depression, or anxiety, and you are ready to put in the work, I would be honored to assist you. If you've decided you want something different and better in your life, I am here to support you on your journey to find happiness within and become your best self. The reward of a happier and more fulfilling life at the end of this journey far outweighs the struggles and efforts it takes to achieve this transformation. I want to reassure you that people do heal, and I am deeply committed to helping you create your unique story of growth and healing. Your journey is unique, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
My goal is to help you achieve "Peace of Mind", and excited for taking the step of beginning therapy after your first session. I will always tailor our dialogue and treatment plans to address your unique needs and concerns. My therapeutic methods are eclectic, utilizing evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducation, among others.
I became a therapist to listen and help others. Before I was degreed or licensed I was always a good listener with an innate ability to hear your words and your heart. If you don't feel heard I am the therapist for you.
My name is Gwendolyn Smith, and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Florida, with additional licensure in Louisiana and Texas. With 15 years of experience in marriage and family counseling and 12 years in substance abuse and mental health support, I bring a wealth of expertise to my practice. As a compassionate listener, I specialize in working with clients facing mental health challenges, marital difficulties, and addiction issues, including depression, anxiety, and anger. I understand the complexities of military life, having been a gracious military spouse and a proud military mother. I am dedicated to your well-being and to helping you learn how to manage your concerns in a healthy and functional manner. My counseling philosophy is rooted in empathy, non- judgment, and a personalized approach, ensuring that you feel secure and cared for throughout our journey together.
I think we win our battles in our minds. If we become aware of our thoughts and feelings we can challenge them and change them. It is my goal to help you identify thoughts and feelings that traps you in a continual cycle of negativity. CBT is a practical, goal-oriented treatment, often short-term, that teaches coping strategies for various mental health conditions and emotional struggles. This particular approach is problem-oriented and focuses on working through problems and finding solutions for them. CBT is a type of talking therapy where a therapist helps you to change how you think and act.