Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 28 ratings

Derrick Smith

LPC/MHSP, 7 years of experience

Open-minded
Authentic
Empowering
Virtual
Next available on

About me

It's often difficult to know what you want and to pursue what you want. Especially, if broken patterns and negative family cycles are making you feel stagnant. There is an excitement that comes from building your own self-assurance and confidence as you stand securely in the story you want to live. Sometimes we wait to change our story because we don't feel ready. My hope is that we can all have the wisdom and courage to explore ourselves with compassion so that we can better love ourselves and love others. Let's create a foundation that allows us to live balanced personally, professionally, and relationally.

Get to know me

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

In the first session of counseling, we'll lay the foundation for the work you'll do and how I will help. We'll cover what you need to know about the counseling relationship, and we'll get started on what brings you into counseling.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I'm strong in the skill that I also need often - the "gentle challenge." We often need empathy and to be seen, but at times we also need someone to shine a light on what we can't see. I help clients feel seen, and also help them shine a flashlight on part of their story that they might be keeping in the dark.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My own experience in counseling has helped create my approach to therapy. At times it will feel like an easy stroll. At other times it will feel like a hike without a clear trail. But the goal is to help you overcome obstacles, live with meaning, and to win the day.

Specialties

Top specialties

AnxietyDepression

Other specialties

GriefSelf EsteemSpirituality

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Have you ever felt that your thoughts and your feelings and your actions just weren't in sync at all? CBT is a research-based technique that has been proven helpful for a wide arrange of challenges and goals.

Motivational Interviewing

Change is hard. Motivational interviewing is suited to help spark and nurture change. There might be things keeping you from making changes you haven't considered yet.

Narrative

Our brains are always telling the story of our lives. They fill in any gaps with the narratives we believe about ourselves. Narrative therapy can help you grab the pen and change the story of your life.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 28 ratings

7 ratings with written reviews

July 14, 2025

Professional, allowed me space to talk and I could tell he really listened to what I was saying

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 1 with Derrick

May 16, 2025

Derrick seems great and I'm looking forward to working with him.

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 1 with Derrick

May 13, 2025

Derrick is an excellent listener, asks great questions that prompt thought and response. He's very considerate and checks in to make sure progress is being made and expectations are being met. I feel quite refreshed after having a session with him.

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 1 with Derrick