Since 2005 I’ve had the privilege of working as a therapist and clinical social worker. I’ve had the honor of walking alongside my clients and bearing witness to some of their most stressful and difficult experiences, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, self-injury, psychosis, stigma and self-stigma, family and relationship stressors, and adjustment to life changes. These experiences are often accompanied by changes in sense of self, relationships, and quality of life that can be equally difficult to navigate. As a therapist, my task begins with creating a safe space for expression, processing and problem-solving, and growth. Therapy builds on client strengths and is tailored to the client’s voice, experience, and goals. I frequently use psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), mindfulness-based, solution focused, and narrative therapies. Each client has the strength and abilities to work through the challenges they face. My role is to promote empowerment and provide clarity, insight, and support as clients master these challenges. I am a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ clients and families, racial and social justice, neurodivergence and mental health. Specialties: • Bipolar Disorder • Depression • Anxiety • Obsessive-compulsive and panic disorders • Personality disorders • Stress management • Stigma and self-stigma • Self-Injury and self-defeating behaviors • Relationship and family stressors • Adjustment to life changes and transitions • Self esteem Please note: I do not specialize in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex trauma (C-PTSD). In life, each of us experiences adverse circumstances that can be difficult and life-changing; however, the traumatic responses caused by traumatic, life-threatening events necessitate specialist treatment. I am happy to discuss and provide referrals for the treatment needed; however, for full transparency I do not provide services for intimate partner violence, domestic or emotional abuse, physical abuse, or sexual abuse or assault. If a traumatic event (past or recent) is the primary reason for seeking treatment, an expert/specialist is needed to provide appropriate, trauma-informed care.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session is so important - it's where we meet with the client for the first time, learn more about them, and get a feel for what they're going through. It's also where the client gets to know me. The first session includes a question-and-answer process that feels much like a conversation, and it helps us identify what to prioritize and where to begin.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
An important part of therapy is realizing that while challenges and symptoms associated with mental health are difficult, individuals and families often experience changes in sense of self, relationships, and quality of life that are equally difficult. Therapy isn't just about managing symptoms or fixing problems - it's about finding a path to remember (or discover) who we are and living authentically as ourselves. To quote the wonderful Hannah Brencher (More Love Letters): "The best gift you are ever going to give someone is the permission to feel safe in their own skin. To feel worthy. To feel like they are enough."
About Kristin Smyth, Ph.D., LCSW-QS
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Eclectic
Kristin views therapy as a collaborative process that incorporates the client’s voice and experience in setting and attaining goals. Kristin incorporates a person-centered, strengths-focused approach with each client and selects therapeutic modalities to best fit each client, including cognitive behavioral (CBT) and dialectical behavioral (DBT), mindfulness based, solution focused, and narrative therapeutic approaches. The challenges and symptoms associated with mental health are often accompanied by changes in sense of self, relationships, and quality of life that can be just as difficult. Kristin works with each client to create safe spaces needed for growth, meeting goals, and navigating these challenges.
Psychodynamic
So much of how we see ourselves, relate to other people, and interact with the world reflect the influence (or 'echoes') of our past. These 'echoes' can include our relationships and attachment styles developed through out family of origin and previous relationships; they can also emerge from life experiences, stressors, and trauma. Psychodynamic therapy helps us identify the pieces of our past that we carry with us and how those pieces shape who we are in the present.
Group Therapy
I'm currently looking to form weekly DBT groups - 1 for adolescents and 1 for adults. Groups meet for 90 minutes once per week and work through Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills training. If you are interested in attending or learning more, please contact me or schedule an intake or consultation appointment.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a wonderful way of addressing intense and fluctuating emotions that cause disruptions in relationships and sense of self. DBT is an active and empowering therapy - the client learns and practices skills (during and outside sessions) that remove any feeling of powerlessness over intense emotions and interpersonal conflict or tension. The focus is on what works for the client (vs thoughts or emotions that are 'right' or 'wrong'). DBT can be provided individually and in groups. Note: My services are classified as DBT informed - I do not provide Coaching Calls.