Sometimes it just seems one's life isn't working. It's usually due to one or more of four life areas: Work, health, finances or relationships. This could include our relationship with one's self. It takes courage to face this and turn to a trained professional to listen and help us get centered and sort things through. Most people benefit by taking this step and overcoming the stigma of asking for help. I am here to help those ready to take that step. My goal is to make it as easy as possible for each person that is willing to become vulnerable through self-exploration. The most difficult task in life is to face oneself. That is what counseling is about--learning to be intimate with self. Until we know ourselves intimately, we have difficulty with interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. Humans are social beings and we seek that connection, which is so necessary to meet our needs in life. William Glasser created Choice Theory. This includes Five Basic Needs that all humans have: Survival, Love and Belonging, Power and Recognition, Fun and Recreation and Freedom and Independence. Learn more about these needs to create a fulfilling life and love yourself. We must love ourselves before we know how to love another.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Expect to feel some relief by unburdening the weight of stored-up trauma and wounds. Understand yourself and what underlies your thoughts and behaviors.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I use primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients shed light on thinking errors that lead to behavior problems. Albert Ellis believed emotionally healthy human beings develop an acceptance of reality, even when reality is highly unfortunate and unpleasant. REBT therapists strive to help their clients develop three types of acceptance: (1) unconditional self-acceptance; (2) unconditional other-acceptance; and (3) unconditional life-acceptance. Once the blinders are off, we are able to see truth.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I have respect and acceptance for all. I am non-judgemental and believe fundamentally all humans have value.

About Martha Smith