LP, 23 years of experience
Hello, I’m Dr. Dionne Smith, PhD, LICDC-S. I am the owner of ALIVE Therapy & Consulting; working 20 + years as a clinical psychologist and licensed independent Chemical Dependency Counselor-supervisor. I am: genuine, an “optimistic realist”, practical, creative and research and results focused.I have a wicked sense of humor and love to laugh. All of which I incorporate into my sessions with clients. Merriam Webster defines the word Alive as” having life…still in existence…still active in competition with a chance of victory…knowing or realizing the existence of something… marked by alertness, energy… marked by much life, animation, or activity”. This dictionary definition is a good enough description of the word. But does not describe the dynamic process that represents being ALIVE. I define ALIVE as "Authentic Living Inspired by Values and Experience" [TM]. It is a process of: • Accepting reality • Releasing the past • Cultivating resilience • Acting with intention • Nurturing passion, ability and skill. My role is to provide non-judgmental, honest, compassionate support and science-based and results-focused guidance on this journey of discovery and healing. Having benefitted from therapy myself, I understand the importance of finding a therapist that you feel comfortable with and trust. As a PSYPACT Authorized provider, I offer flexible, confidential evening and weekend appointments via teletherapy which is available within more than 30 states, including: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin (more pending!)
Being ALIVE is “Authentic Living Inspired by Values and Experience”. TM It means answering some key questions: Discovering the true and genuine YOU outside of your past and outside of the current roles you play. o If the veil of fear and doubt were removed, who would I see reflected in the mirror? Engaging mindfully and wholeheartedly in your daily life. o How can I See the beauty in the ordinary and Grow where I am planted. Exploring the activities, people and situations that get you excited and motivated. o What gets me energized and passionate? Honoring what you believe in and your guiding principles. o What is dear to my heart? What will be my legacy? Understanding that what’s happened before can either grow you or imprison you. o Can I let go of the past, to receive my future?
Professionally, I: -Believe that our past; childhood and experiences inform our current functioning. As such, it is important to explore this area and the information it can provide about the foundation of many stuck points in our lives. -Believe that FEAR is often a barrier that keeps us from being our best selves. Understanding the source of fear and what it is trying to show us is essential. -In addition, how we name and describe the problem is important. The language we use is a reflection of our thinking. This is one of the seemingly small things that if we begin to challenge and alter can start us on the path of empowerment and healing. I start the process right away in how I synthesis and conceptualize the presenting issues.
Healing after workplace violence: therapy and support for healthcare, mental healthcare and social service workers following incidents of workplace violence, assault and injury, referrals to community supports Women’s Wellness: aging, ADHD, relationships, health issues and overall wellness, coping and transitions. Cultural /racial Concerns: cultural/racial violence and trauma, cultural/racial stress and moral injury, cultural/racial identity Substance use and addiction support: evaluations following a DUI for reinstatement of driver's license, evaluations for reinstatement of professional licenses, substance use and addiction therapy and referrals.
Encourage clients to embrace their values and change their relationship with their thoughts.
Focus on helping patients tell their story of trauma and integrate their history in a way that empowers them to heal and move forward
Identify the role of attachment wounds in current interactions and behaviors.
Focus on the interaction of thoughts, feelings and behaviors in keeping us stuck and in finding solutions
Acknowledge and integrate the role of race, gender and other identities into how we experience issues and heal