Casey Smith

LCSW, 12 years of experience
Rated 4.9 stars out of 552 ratings
Authentic
Empowering
Open-minded
VirtualAvailable

Namaste! My name is Casey (he/him) I am a therapist who specializes in the idea that we should seek to constantly ask ourselves, “When was the last time you tried something for the first time?” As such, our (yours and mine) practice will center around the idea of regaining a sense of zest to get you to a place where you see all the nuances and “going deeper” until something new comes out. As a neurodivergent therapist, there is no thought to small, no detail that doesn’t matter, and yet there is always a story that is waiting to be told and an empowering moment waiting to happen. My own zest comes from a unique blend of being raised as both a foster kid in rural Maine while also knowing my parents, but always needing to set boundaries, and then getting adopted 20, in his own words a “gay socialist hippie”. All this led me to pave my own path, which led me to challenging state laws, public speaking, reforming systems, advocating for universal policies, and being a national advocate for foster youth and education. Since then, I have worked in schools, the community, outpatient, and in group homes. I am a self-described “Social Justice Therapist” who is also a father of four, art lover, partner, movie lover, and photographer.

Get to know me

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

When we first meet, I always like to do a few things: spend some time in the nitty-gritty, give you some grace, and help you do some re-naming if needed. I will also leave you with thinking practically, whether that be a homework assignment, a reference to look at, a small task, or a way to integrate what you already do more. I believe that while it’s important to see all of the things, it's equally crucial for you to feel like there is a direction.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strength is you! I am not a therapist, I am a Guide. You are our greatest asset. As I noted above, I was adopted at 20 by a loving, gay hippie who protested back in the 60s. Since then, my life has been filled with colorful experiences, accepting people for who they are, and more so, the importance of community. His family showed me a world full of creativity and open-mindedness, where music, art, and standing up for what you believe in were a big deal. That's where I learned how important it is to express yourself, celebrate being different, and fight for what's right. To me, this is part of my biggest strengths in that I truly believe that we all have a bit of an artist, an activist, and a free spirit inside us, just waiting to come out. In a more clinical perspective, I specialize in the issues that are long-standing and likely deemed complex by others. Much more of my work has been based on neurodivergence, institutionalized systematic inequity and abuse, special education, chronic illness, family trauma and separation. I specialized in bringing darkness to light, finding new ways to do this that is focused on preserving the relationships first (not just blowing it up/Although I can and have helped in this. I recognize how hard it is to make a change and look at each step, not just a need for one bigger picture. More so, as part of this, I am all about the idea of finding ways to build rituals, slow things down and help others see complexity as simplistic. Specific Modality: Relational Culture Theory, Neuro Affirming Care, and Liberation Psychology

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

We are a great match if the small things hold significant meaning, but often struggle to voice those feelings. Perhaps you don't feel calm or "normal," or your inner thoughts sometimes seem "crazy." You're ready to dive deep into these experiences, but you also want tangible steps and practical tools to help you move forward. We're a great match if you're looking for a therapist who isn't tied to a single modality but adapts to what you need in the moment. My diverse background in advocacy informs my work as a therapist, where I empower clients to explore their zest for life, navigate moral complexities, and become their own best advocates. I believe in the transformative power of simple actions, such as asking questions, challenging existing narratives, and rewriting past injustices. Our journey will begin by exploring your personal narrative and challenging limiting beliefs. In a safe, supportive space, we'll practice "waging good conflict" to empower you to communicate authentically and set healthy boundaries. Together, we'll reignite your passions and rediscover the zest for life that makes you uniquely you. Our journey is about silencing the voices that may have or are holding you back, embracing your unique journey, and becoming fierce advocates. If you're tired of feeling unheard, unfulfilled, or disconnected from your purpose, I hope that we can collaborate and reclaim your power, communicate confidently, set boundaries, and rediscover your joy.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Relational

I use Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) to guide our work together. My approach emphasizes the importance of relationships and mutual empathy, creating a supportive environment where we can explore your experiences as a team. Together, we'll reclaim your zest for life, navigate hard conversations, and solve problems from a trauma-informed perspective. By working collaboratively, we can build resilience and achieve personal transformation.

Experiential Therapy

I’m passionate about helping individuals discover and maximize their best selves through experiential therapy techniques. My approach is rooted in the belief that therapy should be an engaging, dynamic process that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. I strive to create a collaborative and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and non-judgmental space. One of the unique aspects of my practice is my use of movies, TIk-Tok, current events, and your day-to-day experinces as therapeutic tools. I believe that these mediums can provide powerful insights and reflections on our own lives. By discussing characters, plotlines, and real-world scenarios, clients can gain new perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of their own experiences. This approach not only makes therapy more relatable but also helps clients connect with their emotions and thoughts in a meaningful way. In our sessions, we might watch a movie clip that resonates with your current struggles or discuss a recent news event that has impacted you. These discussions can open up new avenues for self-reflection and growth, allowing you to see your challenges from different angles and find creative solutions. Whether it’s exploring themes of resilience in a favorite film or analyzing the emotional impact of a current event, these experiential techniques can be incredibly effective in fostering personal growth and healing. I also integrate other experiential methods such as role-playing, guided imagery, and creative arts to help clients express themselves and work through their issues. My goal is to support you in your journey towards self-discovery and empowerment, helping you to unlock your full potential and live a more fulfilling life. My goal is for us to work together to explore your inner world and find the best ways to maximize your strengths and achieve your goals.

Trauma-Focused CBT

This approach is grounded in the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and by changing how we think, we can change how we feel and act. However, I also recognize that healing from trauma is not something that can be done in isolation. This is where relational cultural theory comes in. This theory posits that growth and healing occur through connection with others. It supports the idea that we are not alone in our experiences and that sharing our stories within a supportive environment can be incredibly powerful. I also use some narrative therapy techniques that complement this by helping clients reframe their experiences and see themselves as the authors of their own stories. By externalizing problems and viewing them as separate from their identity, clients can gain a new perspective on their trauma and begin to rewrite their narratives in a way that empowers them. An essential part of this process is helping you develop or have hard conversations. This means supporting you in resolving conflicts or situations that constructively challenge your values rather than avoiding them. Part of this process is placing blame in the right place, which is crucial for healing. Often, individuals who have experienced trauma may internalize blame, believing that they are at fault for what happened to them. Through our work together, we aim to shift this perspective, helping clients understand that the responsibility for the trauma lies with the perpetrator, not themselves. This shift includes understanding the oppressive, cultural, environmental, and structural impacts on us and recognizing the impact. This broader perspective can be incredibly liberating and is a vital step in healing. By integrating relational cultural theory, narrative therapy, and the principles of having hard conversations and placing blame appropriately into my trauma-focused CBT practice, I help clients see that their trauma does not define them and that they are not alone in their struggles. This collaborative approach allows clients to feel seen, heard, and understood, fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience. Through this combined approach, I aim to create a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their trauma, challenge negative beliefs, and build meaningful connections with others. My goal is to help clients heal from their past and thrive in their present and future.

Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 52 ratings

3 ratings with written reviews

June 24, 2025

He is allowing me to talk and listen to him. Then supply me with feed back as well as places to find information that will be denifical as we go forward in my recovery.

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 32 with Casey

June 23, 2025

I felt comfortable with Casey right off the bat. He is engaging and challenging, and I could tell that he was really listening to what I was saying. I look forward to future sessions, and feel hopeful.

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 1 with Casey

April 1, 2025

I felt like Casey really listened to me and was able to give me actionable feedback. I look forward to our next session!

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Casey