I am Vicki Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. I have retired after working 30 years in the Texas public school system. I was a classroom teacher for 12 years, an At-Risk Coordinator, Testing Coordinator and Response to Intervention Coordinator for 4 years and a counselor for the last 14 years of my career. I feel I still have more to give and would love to continue helping others through counseling.

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

In our first session, we will get to know each other. I want to make sure you are comfortable with me. We will go over the expectations you have for therapy and let you know what you can expect from me. There will be a lot of questions I ask to get to know you better and to get an idea of what we need to work on. Depending on your age, parents may be involved so that everyone is on the same page as to what to expect from therapy.

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

While teaching, I never really thought of becoming a counselor until one day our school counselor told me that i had a counselor's heart. That made me really stop and think. I truly do believe I have a heart for people. I see them in pain and I want to help. I've seen a lot in my 30 years in education. That's experience that can't really be taught. This experience includes different classes, races, cultures, genders, orientations, etc. I grew up an Army brat so these experiences with people of all different backgrounds started early. I also know the feelings associated with frequent transitions, leaving family and friends and having difficulty finding a place to belong. Those experiences have given me a great deal of empathy for others facing those same issues, as well as, many more.

About Vicki Smith