Mary Smith

(she/her)

LCSW, 9 years of experience
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New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

If you are moving through a season shaped by loss, you don’t have to carry it alone. Grief does not always look like sadness - it can show up as anxiety, numbness, irritability, or feeling stuck. You may be functioning on the outside while feeling disconnected on the inside. If you are feeling stuck in your grief, I am here to meet you exactly where you are and walk with you towards growth, healing, and renewed well-being. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I specialize in supporting adults (18+) who are experiencing grief related to death, illness, caregiving, and major life transitions. I believe grief and humor often sit at the same table. I love to laugh, bake sourdough, and pay attention to the small, ordinary things that make life feel like life. Those parts of me come with me into the work—because grief therapy is, at its heart, about living. I have sat with enough grief—my own and others’—to know that the hardest part is rarely the moment of loss. It’s the long, quiet after. It’s the empty seat at the table. My practice grew from late-night conversations with people who felt alone in their grief. From love for people and for the sacred, the human truth that our stories matter.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

We will spend our first session exploring your story — your past, your present, and what you are hoping for in the future. Because this first meeting lays the foundation for our work together, it often runs a little longer than a typical appointment and may feel more structured. There’s a lot to cover as we begin to understand what brings you here and how grief has been showing up in your life. Sharing more detail in your intake paperwork can help us make the most of our time together — and I promise to read every word. Even with the extra information we gather, my hope is that you leave that first session feeling respected, safe, and maybe even a little more hopeful. We’ll begin identifying some initial goals, but we won’t rush your story. This is the beginning of our work, and you can show up exactly as you are.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strengths come from the way I sit with strong emotion — with empathy, patience, and a very human heart. I do not have a cure for grief, and I do not believe you need “fixing.” Grief is not a problem to solve; it’s a story to be witnessed, a love that has changed shape. My role is to offer a steady, skilled presence as you move through what feels heavy, confusing, or tangled. Sometimes, when grief is shared, it can feel a little lighter. I listen closely to the moments where loss still echoes, and I ask gentle, thoughtful questions that help you understand your experience without rushing it. I’m also honest and compassionate when I notice patterns — in thoughts, behaviors, or relationships — that may be keeping you stuck. I name these things gently, with care, and only when it feels supportive to your healing. I check in often about what feels helpful and what needs to shift, because therapy is something we build together. I am not a robot or a distant expert — I am a real person who shows up fully, who makes mistakes, who learns alongside you, and who can hold your story with deep respect and without judgment. Your pace matters. Your voice matters. And I am here to walk with you as you find your way forward.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I want therapy to feel helpful, safe, and the right match for your needs. My main focus is grief therapy, and many people come to me because they’re carrying a loss or trying to understand how grief is showing up in their lives. You don’t have to label your experience as “grief” to work with me — anyone wanting a caring, steady space to heal and grow is welcome. In our work together, you can expect a gentle reflective environment where you can explore your story, build capacity for coping, and experience healing at your own pace. My practice is for adults (18+).

Specialties

Top specialties

Grief

Other specialties

Anxiety

Military/Veterans

I identify as

Licensed in

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Grief Therapy

Prolonged Grief Therapy is a gentle, structured approach that helps people who feel stuck in deep grief long after a loss. It’s built on the idea that love and grief stay connected, and that healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means finding ways to carry your loss while also reconnecting with life. PGT uses the Dual Process Model, which means we move back and forth between two kinds of work: spending time with your grief and taking steps toward daily life again. Both sides matter, and it’s normal to shift between them. In therapy, we look at what might be getting in the way of your natural healing, honor your relationship with the person who died, and build skills that help you feel more supported and more able to engage in the parts of life that matter to you.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

ACT is a gentle kind of therapy that helps you pay attention to what truly matters in your life. Instead of trying to fight or “get rid of” tough thoughts or feelings—which doesn’t always work—ACT teaches you how to notice them with kindness and keep moving toward the things you care about. You’ll learn small, practical skills that help you stay present, make choices based on your values, and build a life that feels meaningful, even on hard days.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing is a gentle, supportive way of talking that helps you explore what you want for your life. Instead of telling you what to do, MI helps you notice your own strengths and reasons for change. We look at what matters to you, what feels hard, and what steps feel possible right now. The goal isn’t to push you—it’s to help you feel confident and ready to move toward the life you want, at your own pace.

Trauma-Focused CBT

STAIR is a trauma‑focused therapy that helps people feel more steady on the inside and more confident in their relationships. It teaches simple skills for understanding your feelings, calming your body, and handling tough moments with more ease. You also learn ways to build healthier, safer connections with others—like speaking up for your needs, setting boundaries, and noticing old patterns that no longer help you. STAIR is gentle and practical. It helps you grow the emotional and relationship skills you need so you can feel more grounded and supported in your everyday life.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.