Tenea Smith

I've spent 14 years working with people who are dealing with things that don't have easy answers — addiction, trauma that won't stay in the past, chronic illness, grief, and the invisible weight of caregiving for someone else. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor based on the Oregon coast, and I work with adults across Oregon via telehealth. I'm direct, warm, and a little bit funny — therapy doesn't have to feel like a performance. I'll tell you what I actually think, ask you questions that get somewhere, and we'll adjust the approach based on what's actually helping you. I treat anxiety, OCD, depression, PTSD, substance use, and a range of life transitions — including the ones that hit when you're already tired.

My approach is practical and collaborative. I draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Motivational Interviewing — but what I actually use depends on you and what you're working on. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. For people dealing with addiction or substance use, I use Seeking Safety and Motivational Interviewing alongside whatever else supports long-term stability. For trauma, CPT and TF-CBT. For anxiety, OCD, and mood concerns, CBT and MBCT. The common thread: I help people understand where painful patterns come from and build something more sustainable in their place. I won't just listen and nod. Sessions are active, honest, and focused on what you actually want to change.

Expect a real conversation, not a checklist. We'll talk about what's bringing you in, what's happened before, and what you're hoping for. I'll ask questions — some of them might surprise you — and I want to hear your actual answers, not the "fine" version. By the end of the first session, you'll have a sense of whether working together feels right. There's no pressure to commit to anything in that first hour. We'll map out what makes sense as a starting point and go from there. Telehealth sessions are available evenings and weekends, which works well for people with demanding caregiving schedules, work constraints, or long drives. In-person sessions are available in Brookings for local clients.