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. 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.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
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.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest 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.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
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.
About Dr. Lauren Smith
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VirtualMy 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.