Leah M. Smith, LCSW-S

My approach emphasizes allowing us to focus on what matters most to you (your values), and straying from staying in “mission mode” or "on" all the time. Clinically, I integrate various modalities and evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I believe change happens when people feel safe enough to listen to themselves. and that, for this to happen, an authentic relationship is key! I aim to create a space where my clients who've been struggling with the effects of trauma, chronic stress, and prolonged responsibility don’t have to override themselves to heal or grow. Masks off up in here! I help my clients work toward slowing down enough to hear what their nervous systems have been trying to say, and then work collaboratively with them to build practical ways to respond to challenges with clarity and choice. I work with a lot of people who’ve spent years functioning at a high level (often in military or service-oriented roles) and are realizing that "pushing through" isn’t sustainable anymore. Many of the people I work with are navigating major transitions - leaving the military, shifting roles, parenting, career changes, or simply redefining who they are after years of putting others first. As a military vet and a 20 year clinician, I understand both the personal and systemic sides of stress — especially when life feels shaped by responsibility, transitions, and limited time. I offer virtual private-pay therapy for those who want a more flexible, self-paced approach to care than what is often possible within VA or insurance-based systems. Therapy with me is paced and down to earth. You don’t have to push through or have everything figured out. We begin with goal setting and education, ensure safety, then build strategies for therapy and real life that align with your values and identity, without pressure, performance, or quick fixes. I look forward to working with you. The most important investment you can make is in yourself!