Kelly Smith

Kelly Smith is a licensed clinical social worker with thirty years of clinical experience. Kelly works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship struggles. They also help people navigating grief, parenting challenges, addiction, trauma, and LGBTQ concerns.

Kelly practices in Virginia and brings a warm, interactive style to sessions. They prioritize validation and treat people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Sessions focus on clear, practical steps and honest conversation rather than jargon.

In therapy Kelly uses a mix of approaches and adapts them to each person's needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and client-centered methods are often used to teach coping skills and change unhelpful patterns. Mindfulness and motivational interviewing are added when helpful to build awareness and momentum.

Kelly also draws on longer-term, insight-oriented work when people want to understand how past experiences shape current feelings and choices. This combination supports both immediate relief and deeper change. The therapist aims to make sessions collaborative and goal-focused, so clients leave with tools they can use between meetings.

People who are ready to make changes and want straightforward, compassionate guidance may find this approach useful. Kelly emphasizes practical strategies for everyday life while also attending to the emotions underneath those struggles.

Approaches you can use online

Kelly often draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy in online work. CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce anxiety, anger, and low mood. DBT teaches practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication, useful for strong emotions and relationship strain.

Client-Centered Therapy is also a frequent part of sessions, which emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental partnership. That approach helps people feel heard and supported while they try new ways of coping. Finding the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process; Kelly will work with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences.

Confirm available session formats before booking to know how therapy will be delivered. The scheduling process will show which options are offered and let you plan around work, caregiving, or other daily demands. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by saving travel time, allowing shorter check-ins when helpful, and offering options that suit differing bandwidth or camera preferences.