Amanda Smith

It can be difficult to deal with life’s ongoing challenges on your own. I can help guide you, but you are in the driver’s seat when it comes to your counseling sessions. You decide where you want to go and we will come up with a plan of how to get there. My goal is to support you while you make the changes you are seeking with the tools I can provide. My role is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you feel heard and understood.

I am trained in Family Centered Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also have experience working with active-duty service members and their families, as well as survivors of child abuse and domestic violence.

I tailor my approach based on the needs of my clients and focus on building upon your current strengths. I utilize a family-centered approach to therapy when working with youth and families, which involves looking at how your family functions as a system. If you have experienced trauma, I use a cognitive-behavioral approach, which involves providing education about trauma, practicing coping skills, learning how to challenge unhelpful thoughts, and telling the story of your trauma.

I offer a casual atmosphere where you are free to be yourself. The first session involves gathering information, discussing what you would like to accomplish during therapy, answering any questions you may have, and determining if we are a good fit for each other based on your needs and my expertise. You always have the right to choose your provider, and I believe feeling comfortable and safe with your counselor is so important. If the appointment is for a child or teen, I typically like to meet with the parent/guardian at the beginning of the session and then give the child or teen the opportunity to meet with me one-on-one for the remainder of the intake, if they feel comfortable doing so.