Marchketa Smallwood

I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, respected, and comfortable being yourself. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I understand that reaching out for support is not always easy, and I strive to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where you can openly explore your experiences.

I support individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, family concerns, relationship challenges, and difficult life transitions. My goal is to help you better understand your emotions, recognize patterns that may be holding you back, and develop practical tools to support meaningful change.

My therapeutic approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). When appropriate, I also incorporate skills informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support emotional regulation, coping, and healthier communication.

I believe you already have strengths that can support your growth. Together, we will identify your goals, build on those strengths, and work toward changes that feel realistic and meaningful to you.

You do not have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. I will meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels comfortable.

My approach to therapy is warm, supportive, and centered around you. I believe that feeling comfortable with your therapist is an important part of the process. I work to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself and talk openly about what you are experiencing.

I am solution-focused, which means we will not only talk about what is going wrong, but also focus on your strengths, what is already working, and what you would like to change. Together, we will set realistic goals and identify practical steps to help you move forward.

I also use CBT to help you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. When helpful, I incorporate DBT-informed skills that can help you manage strong emotions, cope with stressful situations, communicate more effectively, and respond to challenges in healthier ways. Most importantly, I will meet you where you are and work with you at a pace that feels comfortable.

Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We will talk about what brought you to therapy, what you would like help with, and what you hope to gain from our time together. There is no pressure to share everything at once. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, heard, and supported as we begin working together.