C. Noelle Smyth
Welcome! I'm Noelle, an LMHC in the state of Washington. Throughout my experience, I have enjoyed employing an integrated approach to helping individuals grow in the art of being human.
The meaning of life is to give life meaning"--Viktor Frankl
I greatly value the awe-inspiring complexity that accompanies the human experience, and the powerful impact that can be achieved through a therapeutic relationship rooted in authenticity, respect, curiosity, compassion, and a high level of collaboration. My approach to the therapeutic process is rooted in the integration of somatic and existential techniques, although I may integrate behavioral therapies or other complementary modalities dependent upon a person’s needs. My approach to care is holistic, considering the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual (however you personally define it) as well as the context of your life within your familial, cultural, gender, and socioeconomic systems. While I work with folks seeking therapy for a variety of purposes, I do have special interests and accompanying experience working with people experiencing neurodivergence, trauma, womens’ issues, and with seniors and the queer community. As your counselor, my hope is for you to feel seen, heard and valued in our time together, ultimately leading to a life experience that is more comfortable and fulfilling.
First session
In the first session, I'll be conducting an intake interview. I'll be asking you questions related to why you're here, what you want to work on, what's bothering you the most about what you're currently experiencing, and we'll of course cover classics such as childhood and trauma history. You can choose to pass on any question or topic I may pose. I will always respect your privacy and the pace you would like to take in session. Before we meet, I'll also be sending you a few assessment measures. Assessments aren't diagnostic, but sometimes it can be helpful to see where you land on a depression, anxiety or trauma assessment and how you may improve over time.
Strengths
I value the human connection being cultivated via the therapeutic alliance first and foremost. I understand that it may take time to feel comfortable with a new counselor, thus I like to take things at the client's pace, building trust and understanding in a way that feels natural. My approach is inquisitive, warm, self-empowering, and when appropriate, humorous. I primarily practice humanistic, existential and somatic therapies, although I do sprinkle in behavioral therapies such as DBT, ACT or CBT if that's what someone needs or responds best to. Existentially, I strive to help folks bridge internal gaps through a sense of self-understanding and the process of befriending each part that makes you uniquely yourself. By getting to know yourself in ways that you may have never had the opportunity to explore, my hope is that you’ll emerge with the tools and self-knowledge needed to resolve internal conflicts, to see the change you’re seeking realized and to create a life of authentic meaning. Some therapeutic approaches I may use include internal family systems, logotherapy and narrative therapy. As a somatic therapist, I believe in your body’s innate ability to heal itself from the effects of trauma and other life experiences when given the opportunity. I enjoy helping people learn how their bodily processes are influenced by their life experiences and vice versa, utilizing techniques from polyvagal theory, eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and other somatic approaches to help clients release tension, restore balance, and cultivate a deeper sense of presence within their bodies.
Ideal clients
I've never particularly liked this question because every person is so entirely unique, as is their personal journey through therapy. However, it helps when folks have an anchor to the reasons why they want to achieve the therapeutic goals they've outlined, and take action to apply what they discover in therapy to their daily lives. It's okay if we need to work together to define your goals, if there are days that those goal posts change, or days that you're not even sure what you're working towards. This is part of what makes collaboration in the therapeutic process so important. Ideally we'll build a level of comfort that enables you to trust me with helping you navigate while you remain in the figurative driver's seat. If there were ever to come a time that you felt I was not the right provider for you, I would hope that you would feel comfortable enough to let me know so that I can help you find the right counselor. My concern is always that you receive the care you need, whether that's with me or with someone else.
Origin story
I was inspired to become a counselor while working in community mental health with people experiencing homelessness. Although I worked in vocational rehabilitation at the time, trauma was a part of all of my clients' stories and regularly impacted the work we did together. I saw an opportunity to help others, and that opportunity combined with my interests in philosophy and psychology forged the passion I have for what I do. Over the course of my work history, my motivation has always been to help others. I'm so thankful to have found the way in which I contribute best to that purpose.
Ongoing work together
After the intake interview, I'll write your treatment plan based on goals we create in collaboration. I like to emphasize the client-led aspect of the therapeutic process, and will typically open up a session by asking if there's a topic you want to discuss or type of session you'd like to have (if we're doing something like IFS or EMDR). If you're unsure of how you want to spend the time or are consistently straying from your goals, I'll bring them up to review with you and see if they're still applicable to what we're working towards in session.
Treatment methods
Integrative
As explained above, I practice a lot of existential and somatic therapies, with behavioral therapies peppered in when needed. The way I approach session client to client will differ depending upon that person's needs. For example, one client may be focusing heavily on internal family systems while another is engaging in narrative therapy and EMDR. As we get to know each other, we'll collaborate not only to define your goals but to discover the best ways to help you achieve them.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Licensed in
- WashingtonLicense MHC.LH.70169883