I believe that everyone has their own answers abut how to live their best life. Unfortunately, sometimes those answers are buried under layers of fear, trauma, shame, self doubt, or self-sabotaging beliefs. In therapy I like to help people identify and address the things that are getting in their way, so they can take authentic action towards having a happier, healthier life. I have been a mental health practitioner for over 30 years, and have worked with a wide variety of people and presenting problems. Currently I choose to see adults only. I work particularly well with trauma and anxiety disorders, but am also skilled in dealing with depression, grief, life transitions, co-dependency and chronic illness. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, because everyone is different and what works for one person may not be helpful for another. If this sounds like what you're looking for, please contact me so we can begin or continue your healing journey.

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

I see therapy as a partnership. You bring your ideas about what isn't working so well for you and/or what you would like to be different in your life. Based on that, I provide unbiased feedback, support and suggestions about how you can make those changes, and work through whatever barriers you may encounter in that process.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I use a lot of cognitive behavioral therapy, because the power of belief has so much impact on behavior. As one of my mentors used to say, "Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can't, you're right." I utilize a strength based approach, because no matter how much you're struggling, you also have areas of strength, and building on those can help offset the areas that are more difficult for you. I am trained in EMDR, which is very helpful for trauma processing, although I think it's a little more challenging to use it via video. Problem solving, psychoeducation, guided meditation, exposure therapy, and behavioral assignments are also tools that I use.

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

As noted previously, my biggest area of strength as a therapist is in working with adults who have anxiety disorders and/or a trauma history. I do enjoy working with a variety of clients, though, and I am skilled in working with all the mood disorders, as well as life transitions and general stress.

About Kathleen Smith