Kelly Smith

Kelly Smith is a licensed clinical social worker with three decades of experience helping people cope with major life changes and day-to-day stress. Kelly works with concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship strain, addictions, and issues related to identity and intimacy. The tone in session is warm and straightforward so people can get to what matters quickly.

Kelly uses a collaborative, person-centered way of working. Sessions focus on practical tools people can use between meetings as well as on understanding patterns that keep problems repeating. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques are used to identify unhelpful thoughts and develop new ways of responding. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills and mindfulness strategies are offered to help regulate emotions and manage intense moments.

With 30 years as a clinician and supervisor, Kelly has supported people through parenting challenges, ADHD, bereavement, and workplace compassion fatigue. The goal is to tailor conversations and practice so they fit each person’s life and values. Kelly emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and clear feedback during the work.

Expect a direct but empathetic style that balances emotional support with skills practice. Kelly encourages people to set concrete goals and to notice small changes over time. Sessions aim to leave people with tools they can use right away and a clearer sense of next steps.

Kelly maintains a practice based in Virginia and works in English. If you want to explore therapy for coping with life changes or related concerns, Kelly can help you consider what might work best for your situation.

How Kelly's approaches translate to online therapy

Kelly often draws on Client-Centered Therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where people can talk about change at their own pace. This approach emphasizes listening and adapting to each person's needs, which helps when facing transitions or identity questions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to spot unhelpful thinking and to practice alternative responses. CBT works well for anxiety, depression, and stress by giving concrete steps people can try between sessions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills and mindfulness approaches are offered to help manage intense emotions and build routines for self-care.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Kelly will collaborate with each person to choose techniques that match their goals, values, and daily demands. That collaboration includes checking in about what is or isn’t helpful and adjusting the plan over time.

The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm current session options before booking. Many people find that remote sessions can make therapy easier to fit into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or remove travel time so sessions feel more manageable. Licensed professionals can also use skills-based homework and brief between-session practices that fit into everyday life.