David Smith

For over 10 years I have guided individuals who have experienced various emotional and behavioral challenges. I am dedicated to providing a safe and compassionate space to explore your thoughts and emotions, gain valuable insights, and develop the tools needed to navigate life's complexities. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or facing relationship issues, I am here to support you on your journey to personal growth and emotional healing. I work with adults who have experienced difficult stuff in their lifetime, may have strong feelings of grief, or ongoing challenges with depression, anxiety, anger, inattention, and/or impulsiveness. My goals are to help you to develop effective coping skills, stop dwelling on negative thoughts, understand the root causes of your struggles, build a stronger sense of self, and to empower you towards healing. I look forward to helping you discover your inner resilience and potential for positive change. With expertise in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, neurodiversity, and trauma recovery, I provide evidence-based therapy tailored to each of your unique circumstances. What makes me different: People tell me that they can let their guard down around me. I listen carefully and read between the lines uncovering what might really be going on underneath. I share my knowledge about the brain in a way that helps people understand they aren't broken. I empower individuals to understand the root cause of their struggles, develop effective coping skills, and build a stronger sense of self. I am an interactive and reflective therapist who works with adults ages 18+. I am licensed as an LCSW in NY and NJ, as well as in Florida with an out-of-state telehealth registration; https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth I am also licensed as an LICSW in MA and RI. I have certification as a clinical trauma professional (CCTP-II), and in dialectical behavior therapy (C-DBT). My Journey to Becoming a Therapist My own life experiences help me to relate deeply with clients. Therefore, I am not different from the clients who work with me. Like everyone else, I'm human. I've been through both wonderful and difficult experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help. Having loved ones who have experienced trauma has been tough. Wanting to better understand their struggles in an effort to deepen our bonds of love, I discovered fulfillment with helping others reclaim their empowerment as a therapist. Helping People Is a Gift to Others, But Also Myself Being a therapist is an honor. I love helping people figure stuff out, become healthier, more empowered, make positive changes, and witnessing them achieve more fulfilling lives. The most rewarding thing about being a therapist is knowing that I made a difference in people's lives. I am committed to creating safety within session, providing a non-judgmental space where you can be yourself, and checking in with you as we go, which includes being open to your feedback or any questions that you may have, to ensure we're on track towards positive change. I have compassion for people, a non-judgmental presence, and bring an open mind with supportive energy to sessions. I have a natural ability to: • explain mental health symptoms in an easy-to-understand way, • help people identify what they are feeling, • reflect people's thoughts back to them, • uncover what's under the surface, • help people feel comfortable, inspire hope for getting better, • collaborate with clients to set goals and help them reach them. People who know me often say that I am a good listener who can help people feel heard and understood, which helps people feel seen and start to heal. Sessions Are Focused on You Sessions will provide you with the space to be understood and heard. In feeling safe and comfortable, you'll be able to figure things out about yourself and express your thoughts and feelings. It's important to me to provide a non-judgmental space where you can be yourself and check in on your progress as we go. There isn't a "one size fits all" approach to therapy. Our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns. As A Therapist, I Embrace the Following Philosophies • I believe that therapy works when both of us are committed to your healing • I believe that change is possible when you allow yourself the space to do the work • I believe that we can do hard things like going to therapy and we can do them and live better for it • I believe that sometimes small steps in the right direction end up being the biggest steps in the end • I believe that people underestimate their ability to change. It's possible to change. It's possible to enjoy life again. Let’s Discover How I Can Help Start feeling better and having more energy. Get your free phone consultation where you can share what’s going on for you and we can explore how I can help. Call me today at (347)212-0512 . I'm here for you.