Phyllis Smith

Phyllis Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with five years of clinical experience. She uses a collaborative, strengths-based style to help people work toward clearer goals and better day-to-day functioning. Phyllis listens for values, hopes, and patterns, then helps clients try new ways of thinking and behaving.

She focuses on concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, parenting challenges, depression, addictions, grief, anger, and self-esteem. Phyllis also supports people coping with ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, intimacy questions, and life changes. Her background includes work with diverse people across differences in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Phyllis draws on client-centered work and cognitive behavioral therapy to make counseling practical and goal-focused. She also integrates elements of existential and mindfulness approaches to help people notice values, stay present, and manage strong emotions. The Gottman Method informs how she addresses communication and relationship patterns.

In sessions she emphasizes collaboration and small experiments. She helps clients set short-term goals and practices new skills between meetings. Phyllis looks for strengths clients can use right away to reduce stress and rebuild hope.

She practices in North Carolina and holds an NC LMFT credential. Sessions are conducted in English. Prospective clients should confirm current session options before booking, since formats are not specified here.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship so clients can explore their goals and values at their own pace. This approach helps when people want support sorting priorities, improving self-esteem, or deciding next steps in relationships.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. It uses clear, practical exercises to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and address anger or addictive patterns. Sessions often include homework and small experiments to practice new skills between meetings.

Mindfulness-based work helps people notice emotions and physical reactions without getting swept away. It can aid stress reduction and make it easier to respond rather than react during heated moments.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss your needs, goals, and preferences and recommend methods to try. Together they adjust the plan as progress and challenges arise.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm the available online options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for brief check-ins when life is hectic. It also supports continuity of care when schedules or locations change, while the therapist helps tailor practices so they work in your everyday routines.