Dr. Lauren Smith
I hold a BA in psychology with a minor in children's studies and a master's degree in social work. I was licensed as a clinical social worker in Florida in 2020. I earned my doctorate in social work at Walden University. I have worked in various settings including foster care, jails, and schools. My counseling style is laid-back and conversational.
As a result of my experience, I have worked in various environments and am comfortable anywhere.
I believe in creating safe and open spaces for people to be themselves and share their truths. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and attachment counseling. I will tailor the treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
First session
In our first session, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into your specific challenges. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have as it pertains to therapy. The first session is an opportunity for you to decide if my style or approach works for you and it helps you decide if you want to move forward with me as your therapist.
Strengths
As a result of my experience, I have worked in various environments and am comfortable anywhere. Consequently, I pride myself on creating a safe space where people can be honest and vulnerable and get what they need from their therapeutic sessions.
Ideal clients
I am an African American woman, born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. I have a brother who is developmentally delayed. This experience exposed me to the struggles associated with receiving social services. I have also worked jobs with at-risk youth, which exposed me to the needs of inner-city youth. All of this inspires my passion for working with children and adolescents. Time spent working in the men's jail in Memphis has helped me develop into a clinical social worker who is comfortable addressing various issues, comfortable in various settings, and well-rounded.
Treatment methods
Integrative
As a clinician, I tend to select techniques from different therapeutic orientations best suited to a client's particular problem. By tailoring the therapy to the individual, I hope to meet the needs of the client.
Psychodynamic
I firmly believe that childhood experiences significantly impact our personalities, relationships, and overall presentation.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- FloridaLicense SW17409
- PennsylvaniaLicense CW027824
- TennesseeLicense 9194