No reviews yet

Martha Smith

23 years of experience

About me

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.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

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

The treatment methods and tools I 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.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

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

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

DepressionGriefSelf EsteemSpirituality

I identify as

Serves ages

Location

Offers in-person in 1505 South Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285, #401AVirtual

Accepts cash

$120/session
No reviews yet
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.