Therapy is an interactive relationship between the client and therapist in identifying and clarifying goals for treatment. You want to be seen, heard and validated. You want to work through the things that you have been holding on to and have been holding you back. I want your time with me to be somewhere you are free to be yourself. I want to know you as a person and not just your problems. My therapeutic goal is to step away from the one size fits all therapeutic mentality to an interaction that draws from various methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. A holistic, strength-based, person-centered approach guides my therapeutic vision. “ You are the expert on you” My job is to assist in isolating issues that may be clouding your ability to see the obstacles to being the person of your dreams.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Client can expect to appreciate a connectiveness and direction that comes through relationship and joint goals. Therapy must be an opportunity for the client to feel safe and comfortable sharing their hurts, habits and holdups that we all navigate through daily.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

Over the years of working in marginalized and military communities have resulted in extensive experience in substance abuse, trauma-related issues, especially male sexual abuse and PTSD. Formerly trained in the following therapeutic modalities: Family Systems/Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Attachment-Focused Family Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

A love for people is, in my estimation, my biggest strength. My work as a therapist is borne out a desire to help other through the many challenges of life. Shining a light on blind spots is a two way process that assist in developing the characters of both the client and therapist.

About Lionel Smith