Arly Smart

You might be here because you found the texts, or because you were the one who sent them. Maybe you’re fighting to save your relationship, or just trying to make it through the week. Either way, you’re in the right place. I help individuals and couples heal after infidelity, working with both betrayed and unfaithful partners. My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming, and I welcome every kind of relationship and every kind of family. I’ve walked this road myself, so I know how disorienting it can feel, and I’m not here to hand out blame. My style is honest, warm, and practical. We’ll make room for the big feelings and the hard questions, and probably a little laughter too, because sometimes humor is what gets you through a Tuesday. Tissues are provided. Bad jokes are optional but likely. You don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need to show up.

My primary approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In session, we’ll look at the thoughts and habits that keep you stuck, like the 2 a.m. “what if” spiral, and practice new ways of responding that you can use between sessions. I also bring in emotion-focused and relational work, so we’ll slow down and get underneath surface reactions to the feelings and needs driving them, including how your closest relationships shape the way you love and trust. My clinical work has centered on relationships, especially healing after infidelity, and that experience shapes how I help anyone facing a hard season: a breakup, a life transition, or just feeling unlike yourself. Whether you come alone or with a partner, we’ll set goals together, adjust as we go, and make sure you leave with tools you can actually use.

Your first session is mostly about getting to know each other. We’ll talk about what brought you in, what’s been going on, and what you’d like to be different. I’ll ask some background questions, but you’re in charge of how much you share, and you can always say “I’m not ready to talk about that yet.” We’ll go over how therapy works, what stays confidential, and what you’d like to get out of our time together. You’re welcome to ask me anything too, because you should feel good about who you’re working with. Most people leave the first session feeling lighter than they expected, even if they cried a little. By the end, we’ll have a sense of next steps and whether we’re a good fit.