Christina Smith, LISW-CP

Taking the first step to seek help can certainly feel daunting. Questions like, "Will I connect with this person? Can they truly help me? Am I prepared to confront and address the issues I've long ignored?" are completely normal. I assure you that everyone struggles with uncertainties, and seeking guidance from an objective outsider can be transformative in navigating life's hurdles. With over 15 years of experience in providing therapeutic services to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances, I am confident we can make significant strides in overcoming your challenges. Please inquire within, call, text, or email with any questions or request a 15-minute consultation to ensure that I am the right provider for you. MY STORY I completed my Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2010. Since then, I've had the privilege of working in various settings, from public schools to clinical environments, helping countless individuals navigate their challenges. I have worked extensively with community leaders to improve systems and expand mental health services across several counties. I have hired, trained, and supervised graduate level therapists. If you are curious if you can relate to me on a personal level, here are a few highlights that clients find helpful to know. I moved to Charleston, SC in 2019 from Maryland not knowing a soul and figured out how to build a new life and support system here. I have had to navigate several new relationships with relocating and can empathize with how difficult that can be. I became a mother late in life and have two young children. I can relate to the challenges of wanting and not having a family as well as the challenges of parenting. In my free time, I enjoy running, yoga, bowling, playing darts, the beach, and live music. MY APPROACH I am well-versed in many therapies and interventions but generally gravitate towards Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). CBT is a practical, evidence-based approach that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. When we feel stuck, it’s often because unhelpful thought patterns are shaping how we see ourselves and the world. In CBT, we work together to notice those patterns, challenge the ones that aren’t serving you, and replace them with more balanced and realistic ways of thinking. Over time, these shifts in thinking help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress and make it easier to respond to life’s challenges in healthier ways. EMDR is a type of therapy that helps people heal from difficult or traumatic experiences. Instead of only talking about the past, EMDR helps your brain reprocess those memories so they don’t feel as distressing. During EMDR, I’ll guide you through gentle eye movements while you focus on certain thoughts or feelings, helping your brain naturally process and release the pain connected to those experiences. Many clients find that EMDR helps them feel calmer, safer, and more in control of their emotions. By learning to reprocess information and reframe negative thoughts, individuals can bolster their self-esteem and develop confidence in managing life's trials. My philosophy centers on empowering clients to define their goals and supporting them throughout their journey. LIFE-COACHING For those who are not struggling with mental health issues but who are looking for assistance with personal growth and development, I also offer life-coaching services. Life coaching is a supportive, goal-focused process that helps you move from where you are to where you want to be. Unlike therapy, which often explores the past or heals emotional pain, life coaching focuses on the present and future, helping you gain clarity, build confidence, and take action toward your personal or professional goals. As your coach, I’ll help you uncover your strengths, identify what’s holding you back, and create a plan to achieve meaningful change. MY AVAILABILITY Conveniently located for in-person sessions in downtown Charleston, SC, I also offer virtual sessions to individuals across the state of South Carolina. As an out-of-network provider, I prioritize your autonomy in treatment decisions. For those opting to utilize health insurance, I can provide a superbill for reimbursement submission. Together, let's make the changes you never thought possible! Please inquire within, call, text, or email to schedule an appointment or arrange a 15-minute free consultation.