LPC, 20 years of experience
New to Grow
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with over 19 years of experience working with children, teens, and families. My passion is to meet people where they are and walk with them toward healing, hope, and growth. I offer a compassionate, faith-based approach and specialize in helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, peer pressure, self-harm, and family stressors.
In our first session, we’ll spend time getting to know each other and talking about what brings you to counseling. I’ll ask some questions to better understand your background, current challenges, and goals, and you’ll have space to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Together, we’ll begin to outline what you’d like to work on in therapy and how I can best support you. The first session is more about building trust and setting a foundation than “fixing” everything right away. My goal is for you to leave feeling heard, understood, and encouraged about the journey ahead.
What sets my counseling apart is the balance of compassion and practical tools. I believe every person’s story matters, and I create a safe, supportive space where you feel truly heard. At the same time, I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) along with faith-based support to help you develop real strategies for change. My goal is not only to walk alongside you in the hard moments, but also to equip you with skills you can carry into everyday life—so you leave counseling feeling stronger, more hopeful, and confident in your ability to move forward.
I am especially equipped to support children, teens, and families who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, peer pressure, behavior struggles, or the impact of substance exposure. I often work with clients who feel overwhelmed, unheard, or stuck and are seeking healthier ways to cope, communicate, and grow. Many of my clients come to counseling hoping to find practical tools for daily life, a safe space to process their emotions, and encouragement to move forward with hope and confidence.
Welcome, I’m Rachel Smith I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with 20+ years of experience walking alongside children, teens, and families. My approach is rooted in both professional training and Christian faith, offering a safe and supportive space for healing, hope, and growth. I believe each person’s story matters and that lasting change happens when we are heard, understood, and encouraged. Whether you or your child are struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, family stress, or life transitions, I provide practical tools and faith-based guidance to help you move forward. My heart is to meet you where you are and walk with you toward restoration and wholeness—mind, body, and spirit.
In our work together, one approach I’d like to use is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT. CBT focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The idea is that the way we think about situations can affect how we feel emotionally and how we respond. By identifying unhelpful thought patterns and practicing healthier ways of thinking, we can change how we feel and act in daily life. In session, we’ll practice recognizing these patterns, and I’ll guide you in learning new skills—like coping strategies, reframing thoughts, and problem-solving tools. Between sessions, I may give you simple exercises or reflections to try out, so you can begin applying these skills in real-life situations. The goal of CBT is not just to manage challenges, but to give you practical tools that you can continue to use long after counseling ends.