Corban Smith

I believe meaningful therapy begins with being deeply seen, understood, and respected. My work is grounded in a humanistic approach that values authenticity, connection, and personal agency. I aim to create a space where clients can speak honestly, reflect openly, and work toward change that feels intentional, realistic, and aligned with what matters most to them. I bring a broad range of clinical experience from diverse settings, including correctional mental health, crisis services, higher education, and clinical leadership. Through this work, I have supported individuals navigating high levels of stress, identity transitions, burnout, trauma exposure, and the emotional toll of complex systems. I have experience working with people affected by legal involvement, as well as individuals in recovery from substance use disorders, and understand how court processes, incarceration, supervision, relapse, and stigma can all shape mental health, relationships, and self-concept. In therapy, I focus on helping people better understand the choices they have, the patterns they’ve developed to meet their needs, and the ways those patterns may or may not be serving them now. I tend to be direct, honest, and transparent in my communication, while remaining collaborative, and respectful. Clients appreciate a therapeutic style that balances support with accountability and insight with practicality. Rather than focusing on what is “wrong” I work with clients to clarify what they want more of in their lives and what steps are within their control to move in that direction. I believe lasting change happens when people feel empowered to make intentional decisions, take ownership of their actions, and build lives that reflect their values rather than their past circumstances. While my primary orientation is humanistic, I integrate mindfulness, values-based work, relational approaches, and practical skill-building when helpful. Therapy works best when conversations feel grounded in real life and when insight leads to meaningful action outside the session. I enjoy working with adults facing anxiety, professional stress, life transitions, and questions of purpose or direction. I also have a strong interest in supporting helping processionals, first responders, individuals in recovery, and those who have spent much of their lives navigating high-pressure or highly structured environments. My work has been recognized through the Provost Award for Excellence in Part-Time Teaching at James Madison University and the Outstanding Addictions/Offender Involved Professional Service Award through the American Counseling Association’s IAAOC division. My goal is not to change who you are, but to help you better understand yourself, clarify what you want moving forward, and make choices that support a life that feels more balanced, purposeful, and self-directed.