Greetings, I'm Anita Smith! If this is your first time seeking help, I would like to commend you for your courage, and if you have had therapy before, I hope I say something that connects for you. I'm curious to know what brought you here and what you would like to get out of therapy? I specialize in helping individuals cope with the different kinds of losses: 1) Primary losses - the death of a loved one, friend or pet, break-up, separation, divorce, loss of job, loss of money, the victim of a crime and losses due to Covid19 2)Secondary losses - moving, illness, changes and success; 3) Limbo losses - Covid 19, waiting for the outcome of a test result, a lawsuit, separation, not knowing the outcome; 4) Complicated losses - primary, secondary and limbo losses going on at the same time. The reactions to loss could be feeling of anxiety, depression, helpless, fearful, emptiness, despair, pessimistic, irritability, anger, guilty, restlessness, loss of concentration, hope, motivation, energy, change in appetite, sleep pattern and a tendency to be more fatigued and error prone. Are you experiencing any of those feelings? I also work with individuals who desire prayer before our sessions. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas for 25+ years, a National Certified Counselor (NCC) for 35+ years, and a Board Certified Coach (BCC) for 10 years.
In our first session, we'll start with a review of your intake and assessments, then discuss the reason for your visit and the outcome you would like from our sessions. Then we would discuss what to expect during each session and learning how to set goals to determine progress and eliminating blocks in reaching your desired outcome.
I highly respect and value individuals who come to me from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and cultures and those who feel they have "no voice". I welcome communication between us: ask me questions, share your viewpoint, and I will listen, even if it is different than mine. I look forward to you sharing with me your insights along the way. You are the one who has your answers even if you don't know it yet. : ) I do not work with clients that are involved with the courts, disability, social security, work or any other third parties that would need records from me.
I specialize in helping clients who have had a complicated loss, primary loss, secondary loss, and limbo loss. Adults who are going through grief, also deal with anxiety, depression, loneliness, guilt, anger, grief, and fear, low self-esteem issues, and want to heal, grow and have balance in their lives.
I consider my treatment method as Eclectic. Due to my experience, it is important that my sessions are client centered, that I maintain cultural sensitivity and pray before each session for those who want it. I use: CBT, EMDR, mirror work, mind-body connection, gestalt, visualization, dreams, mindfulness/being present, reframing negative affirmation into positive affirmation and setting smart goals.