I have worked with many adolescents, adults, women, and men through issues of self-esteem, trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief and loss, substance use, domestic violence, relationship issues, adjustment to life changes, and identifying issues. I earned my degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and worked in several domains that have aided the work I have done over the course of 20 years and licensed with my LCPC. During this time, I learned that the most important aspect of getting to a place of healing is to cultivate a safe environment. It is important to me to help those feel comfortable with their wounds so they can begin to heal. We will walk the path together at a pace you can handle, taking the puzzle pieces one at a time, and creating the picture you want for yourself.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I like to gather information that gives a clinical picture of what could be happening. There will be a lot of questions of background information in a way that is not punitive. Some questions may feel too personal but this is to best tailor who we will work together as well as determine the challenges/struggles you are faced with that present areas of concern in day to day life. This then sets the tone of our work together in sessions to follow.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I present with a very caring and authentic approach. I see everyone as unique individuals regardless of the presentation. I am able to help patients discover new ways of viewing a specific problem of concern. I do this by being open, honest, and providing a sense of safety that patients can speak about without judgement. This time is for them to be able to sort out the thoughts they feel others may not understand.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Have you ever felt like you were standing in the middle of the road knowing you can’t go backward but not sure which way to turn? Have you asked yourself “what if,” questions that further complicated the thoughts in your mind and initiated fear in your heart? Have you disrupted relationships due to an inability to trust others or yourself? If you have been here, you are not alone. Together we can take steps forward to walk a path with excitement to heal wounds that have hurt you. These are the patients that I enjoy working with who just need a light shined on the path they are walking to be able to see how to best step. They are able to take ownership in making changes in their life as well be eager to work together.
About Lovea Smith
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
It is important to help people to develop better coping skills that challenge thought processes and beliefs to gain confidence and face fears of their lives rooted in anxiety that influences depressive moods. I like to ask patients to imagine their ideal selves and from there, we work to create that by changing behaviors they identify as interfering with becoming the person they desire to be.
Compassion Focused
Caring and compassion is needed to establish a healthy relationship in any dynamic. Being able to provide a safe trusting realm for people to be their selves, is the foundation of starting rapport.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Everyone comes with a unique packaging of who they are (gender, race, sexual orientation, disability etc.) that it important to who they are and how they present in the world. Discussing these important aspects means welcoming you as a whole person so you can be your most authentic true self.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma comes up in our lives in a way that changes how we think and how we approach circumstances. When we are trauma informed, we stop asking questions "what is wrong" and changing the question to "what happened" to this person. We become more sensitive to the needs of a person when we change the way we approach and view the issues presented in front of us. A trauma-informed lens helps the explanation of behaviors and we work to unlearn them in a productive manner.
Strength-Based
When going through life challenges, we forget what we are good at and what makes us who we are. Re-learning and establishing strengths, helps patients become prepared to handle the situations they present with in therapy. As we grow through therapy, we learn more about who we are, our interests, and our values. As we change, these can change.