- Trauma aware
- Skill focused
- Affirming care
About Kelly
Kelly Smith is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship concerns. Kelly also supports people facing trauma and abuse, addiction, ADHD, and questions related to sexual identity and intimacy. The tone in sessions is warm and engaging, with an emphasis on respect and being heard.
With 30 years of experience, Kelly draws on several therapy styles to match each person's needs. Conversations are tailored, practical, and collaborative. Kelly emphasizes validation and works to create a space where people can speak openly about hard issues.
Kelly blends client-centered methods with cognitive behavioral ideas and dialectical behavior strategies. Mindfulness techniques and motivational interviewing are added when useful to shape goals and build skills. The mix of approaches is chosen to fit what each person brings to therapy rather than using a single fixed plan.
Sessions focus on clear, manageable steps. Kelly helps people identify patterns, try new ways of coping, and practice skills between meetings. Progress is reviewed regularly so the work stays relevant and goal-driven.
Kelly is licensed in New York and Virginia and practices out of Virginia. Conversations are held in English. If you are considering therapy for life transitions, parenting strain, identity questions, or chronic stress, Kelly offers a calm, experienced presence to help you move forward.
With 30 years of experience, Kelly draws on several therapy styles to match each person's needs. Conversations are tailored, practical, and collaborative. Kelly emphasizes validation and works to create a space where people can speak openly about hard issues.
Kelly blends client-centered methods with cognitive behavioral ideas and dialectical behavior strategies. Mindfulness techniques and motivational interviewing are added when useful to shape goals and build skills. The mix of approaches is chosen to fit what each person brings to therapy rather than using a single fixed plan.
Sessions focus on clear, manageable steps. Kelly helps people identify patterns, try new ways of coping, and practice skills between meetings. Progress is reviewed regularly so the work stays relevant and goal-driven.
Kelly is licensed in New York and Virginia and practices out of Virginia. Conversations are held in English. If you are considering therapy for life transitions, parenting strain, identity questions, or chronic stress, Kelly offers a calm, experienced presence to help you move forward.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy
Experience
30+ years
Credentials
New York, California, Virginia, Washington
Languages
English
Approaches used in online therapy and how they help
Kelly uses client-centered therapy to focus on each person's concerns and priorities, helping them feel heard while building goals together. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify unhelpful thinking and to practice different behaviors that reduce symptoms like anxiety and low mood. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills are offered when emotion regulation, distress tolerance, or interpersonal effectiveness are priorities; these skills help people manage intense feelings and improve interactions.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Kelly will discuss options and collaborate on a plan that matches the client's goals, preferences, and the issues they bring. The plan can change as progress is made and new needs appear.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking since current session options are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It also makes it possible to practice mindfulness and behavioral skills between sessions, and to use exercises that translate into everyday routines.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Kelly address in sessions?
Kelly works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, ADHD, and related concerns listed in the profile.
How would you describe the therapy style?
The approach is warm, interactive, and engaging, with an emphasis on validation, respect, and sensitivity during conversations.
What kind of experience does the therapist bring?
Kelly has 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, working with a wide range of issues across the lifespan.
Which credentials and location apply?
Kelly holds the LCSW credential and is licensed in New York and Virginia, practicing from Virginia.
In what languages can sessions be conducted?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients supported?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does the cost structure work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.