Radha Smith

I am currently accepting patients in our Pennington, New Jersey location. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 16+ years of individual and group therapy experience with adult clients in both in-patient and outpatient mental health settings. My specialty focus areas have included addiction and trauma issues as well as gay, lesbian, bixexual, transgender and intersex concerns. I practice within the context of relational-cultural therapy and am passionate about the ability of compassionate, mutual relationships to heal. Relational–cultural theory (RCT) is a feminist therapy that emphasizes the power of relationships to create change. It posits that all people begin life with a yearning for connection: We wish to participate in the growth of others and to be responded to, to "matter." Suffering arises when we experience a sense of "condemned isolation," alone, outside of community, paralyzed in our efforts to reestablish connection, and self-blaming.

My core expertise lies in utilizing RCT in helping people overcome and manage the disconnection and isolation that result from substance abuse/use, trauma, gender identity and sexual orientation. I hold the following qualifications:

1. I have a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University.

2. I have an Master of Arts from East Tennessee State Universtiy.

3. I am licensed as a Social Worker in New Jersey.

4. I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers

5. I have specialized training in:

• Relational Cultural Therapy from The Jean Baker Miller Training Institute at the Wellesley Centers for Women (Massachusetts).
• Motivational Interviewing through the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
• Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model (TREM) through Maxine Harris' Community Connections, Washington DC.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy intensive training through Behavioral Tech.

For many people suffering with emotional wounds, anxiety, isolation and hopelessness can become a daily part of life. Sometimes managing painful times from the past intrude on their ability to enjoy the present. Sometimes compulsive eating patterns, substance abuse, spending or even relationships seem like the only way to numb the pain.You don't have to face it alone. We can work together to find new solutions for wellness, healing and recovery.Our approach focuses on developing a safe, collaborative relationship where new insights and change is possible. Together we can discover healthy ways to cope with difficult feelings and break the cycles that are preventing you from living the life you want.You CAN find a newfound sense of fulfillment, peace and well-being.