Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Forest Therapy Guide (CFTG) in New York. I graduated summa cum laude from Fordham University (master's degree) and from Adelphi University (bachelor's degree). I work with individuals who are grieving (especially young adults who lost a parent), women and adolescents living with PTSD and CPTSD, and people going through life transitions such as becoming new mothers.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I aim to foster a nurturing, trusting, impartial connection as the foundation of our work together. Sometimes you may need to vent, other times it may be you want to write or dive into skills-building. I bring an eclectic approach to my work. If you need to figure out the "why" to the things which trouble you, I am here.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am an empathetic, compassionate, and experienced provider of 9 years. However, I am not the type to only validate just to make someone feel better. I do challenge my clients to reconsider how their mindsets may be impacting their lives. I am willing to be upfront and honest as this is integral to the therapy process.
About Valerie Smith
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
EMDR
I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help individuals identify their negative core beliefs -- as in the beliefs that are so deeply embedded within ourselves that they can drive our actions without our own conscious awareness. These negative core beliefs generally originate in our formative years. Then, I have clients create positive core beliefs that I install, thereby helping them overcome the actions associated with the negativity.
Additionally, I utilize EMDR to help people recognize and reprocess traumatic memories in a safe space, empowering them to then reintegrate the memories so they no longer carry as much influence. Despite the myths, EMDR is not hypnosis (the person is fully aware and in control the entire time), and EMDR does not erase memories. However, EMDR can help decrease the emotional intensity of the memories, thereby making them easier to cope with and letting the person move forward.
I am certified through THRIVE Counseling & Consulting, an EMDR International Association-recognized EMDR program, in which I was supervised for over a year to become proficient with this treatment method.
Grief Therapy
I am a certified bereavement specialist through a training program by Calvary Hospice and Hospital.
Bereavement comes in various forms -- the loss of a spouse, child, friend, pet, neighbor. Regardless of the role and relationship, bereavement hurts, and left unsupported the person can feel very alone. I use a gentle, compassionate, humanistic approach when working with clients who are grieving.
In particular, I specialize in working with young adults who lost a parent. This comes from lived experience, something that I feel is essential in the art of therapy and cannot be taught through textbooks and professional experience. I lost both of my parents, and I recognize it can feel difficult to navigate through life feeling unanchored. I work with young adults - and others grieving at large - in helping them accept the loss and still move forward with their lives, but while honoring the person who has passed. I consider grief therapy to be a sacred privilege, a means of helping someone during a most vulnerable time. I am always especially sensitive with this issue.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I completed an educational program in Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) through the Medical University of South Carolina.
TF-CBT is a form of CBT that is specific for children and youth and their caregivers who suffered from trauma.
Trauma Informed Care
As a trauma therapist, it is essential I am well-versed in trauma-informed care. I ensure the highest standard in working with traumatized clients, meeting them with compassion, empathy, and hope.
