Karen Smith
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes therapy should be a space where you can be honest, feel heard, and work through what’s happening in your life without judgment. I especially enjoy helping adults navigate life transitions, relationship changes, grief, career changes, and those seasons when life simply doesn’t look the way you thought it would. My approach is supportive, practical, and focused on helping you move forward in a way that feels right for you.
First session
During our first session, my priority is creating a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard and understood. We will explore what brought you to therapy, identify your primary concerns, and begin discussing what you would like to accomplish. My goal is for you to leave the first session with greater clarity, a sense of direction, and confidence that we have begun developing a meaningful path forward.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment while also helping clients look at their experiences from new perspectives. I bring empathy, clinical insight, and a practical, solution-focused approach to each session. I believe in meeting clients where they are while thoughtfully challenging patterns that may no longer serve them. My goal is to help clients develop greater self-awareness, recognize their strengths, and identify meaningful steps toward the changes they want to make in their lives.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is an adult experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, or difficulty navigating a significant life transition. They may be facing relationship changes, divorce, grief, career transitions, an empty nest, or simply questioning what comes next. I work well with individuals who want to better understand what may be contributing to how they feel, recognize patterns that may be holding them back, and develop practical strategies for moving forward with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.
Treatment methods
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I use a solution-focused approach to help clients identify what they would like to change and develop practical steps toward achieving those goals. While we may explore past experiences when they are relevant, our work also focuses on your strengths, existing resources, and what can help you move forward. Together, we identify what is already working, what you would like to be different, and realistic strategies for creating meaningful and sustainable change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify thought patterns that may contribute to anxiety, depression, stress, or feeling stuck and explore healthier, more balanced ways of responding. My approach is collaborative and practical, helping clients develop greater self-awareness and strategies they can apply in their everyday lives.
Faith based therapy
I recognize that faith and spirituality can play a meaningful role in emotional well-being, personal identity, and the healing process. When appropriate and guided by the client's preferences, I incorporate spiritual beliefs and values into the therapeutic process to support personal growth, resilience, and emotional healing. My approach respects each individual's spiritual journey, creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges while drawing upon the beliefs and practices that are meaningful to them.
Strength-Based
I use a strengths-based approach to help clients recognize and build upon the abilities, resilience, and resources they already possess. Rather than focusing solely on problems or limitations, we explore what has helped you navigate challenges in the past and how those strengths can support you now. Together, we identify existing skills and develop practical ways to use them to increase confidence, overcome challenges, and create meaningful change.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I use a person-centered approach to create a supportive, respectful, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable being themselves. I believe each person is the expert on their own life, and my role is to listen, understand, and help you explore your experiences with greater clarity and self-awareness. Together, we work at a pace that feels appropriate for you while identifying what you need to heal, grow, and move forward in a way that feels authentic to who you are.
Location
Virtual sessions