Hello! Congratulations on taking the first step toward becoming the best version of yourself. My name is Dezsarai, and I have been dedicated to the mental health and addiction field since 2009, earning my professional counselor license in 2015. Are you feeling out of sorts lately? Have you or those around you noticed changes in your mood or behavior? Are you finding it difficult to be kind to yourself and others? I am here to help you identify the root causes of your struggles and work with you to create effective solutions. Together, we can help you become a better YOU! With experience across various settings—including military installations, outpatient clinics, in-home care, and schools—I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, including children, adolescents, teens, military personnel, and adults. I specialize in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, life transitions, and trauma. My goal is to provide a non-judgmental space where you feel safe, protected, accepted, and heard. Let’s work together on your journey to well-being.

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

In your first session with me, we will start with what I like to call a “vibe check.” This initial meeting is an opportunity for you to get a feel for my counseling style and for us to determine if we are a good fit for each other. During this session, we will discuss your current challenges, goals, and what you hope to achieve through counseling. I want you to feel comfortable and confident in your choice of counselor, so if you feel that I am not the right fit for you, that’s perfectly okay. My priority is your well-being, and I am happy to help you find another counselor who better suits your needs.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

In my practice, I utilize a variety of evidence-based treatment methods and tools to support my clients on their journey to healing and personal growth. These include: 1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors through structured exercises and cognitive restructuring. 2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaching clients skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness to promote balanced living. 3. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Collaborating with clients to identify their strengths and develop practical solutions for their immediate challenges. 4. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helping clients cultivate psychological flexibility and commit to actions aligned with their values to promote meaningful living. 5. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Addressing the specific needs of clients who have experienced trauma through a structured approach focusing on safety, processing, and resolution. In addition to these methods, I often assign homework exercises and tasks to reinforce therapeutic concepts and promote continued progress outside of sessions. These assignments may include journaling, practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in behavioral experiments, or implementing coping strategies in real-life situations.

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

I began my career at a local community mental health agency, where I provided support to individuals diagnosed with mental disorders, addictive diseases, and developmental disabilities. This experience honed my skills in addressing a wide range of mental health issues. I then transitioned to working with our military population, specializing in combat trauma and military sexual trauma. This role deepened my expertise in trauma therapy and reinforced my commitment to helping those who have served our country. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong ability to create a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients, allowing them to feel heard and understood. My strengths include empathetic listening, a client-centered approach, and a dedication to collaborative problem-solving. I am adept at tailoring therapeutic techniques to meet the unique needs of each individual, fostering resilience, and promoting healing.

About Dezsarai Smith, LPC, CPCS