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Hi, I’m Katie Smith

My Approach to Therapy

I believe the most important part of therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. Healing happens in safe, supportive relationships, and my goal is to provide a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and valued.

Much of our emotional pain stems from attachment wounds—early experiences that shaped how we see ourselves, others, and the world. Whether you struggle with trust, people-pleasing, or feeling like you have to earn love, therapy can help you break free from these patterns and build healthier relationships—starting with yourself.

My approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and tailored to your unique needs. Together, we’ll work to heal past wounds, build self-trust, and create the life you deserve.

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Cozy living room with a dark sofa, pillows, coffee table, and plants. Wall art decorates the space, and a patterned rug covers the floor. Light filters through sheer curtains on a window.

THE NON-therapy stuff

Get To Know Me

My go-to coffee order is a caramel latte—unless it’s pumpkin season, then I’m all about the pumpkin

My least favorite subject in school was history – although as an adult I would appreciate this class very much

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One of my 2025 goals is to read a book for FUN. Will I like reading after all…?

My go-to playlist currently includes a lot of Chappell Roan

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Illustration of a steaming coffee cup with a heart on the sleeve, black background.

My favorite TV is crime and medical dramas. Shanda Rhimes and Dick Wolf = GOAT

My idea of self-care is a clean space, a long walk, and rot days on the couch

Expertise, Experience, & Education

Expertise

I am well trained to work with general mental health challenges. Additional areas of training I have invested in to further my expertise:

  1. EMDR Trained Clinician

  2. Binge Eating and Chronic Dieting Certification-In progress

  3. ADHD Clinical Services Provider Certification-In progress

  4. Conflict Resolution and Trauma Studies Certificate

experience

I have over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, serving as a behavioral health tech, case manager, intake specialist, and crisis specialist in inpatient and residential settings. I’ve also worked as a clinical consultant in Corporate America and as a project manager in community mental health.

education

Master of Arts in Counseling (Emphasis in Mental Health Counseling) – MidAmerica Nazarene University

Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies and Human Services (Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Trauma Studies) – Kansas State University

Is my approach to therapy a good fit for you?

Everyone is unique, and finding the right fit is crucial—especially when it comes to therapy. I encourage you to “therapist shop” until you find the person that feels right.

We may be a good fit if you…

  • You’re ready to break free from people-pleasing and set boundaries without guilt.
  • You have something in your life you try to avoid thinking or talking about, yet it still surfaces through intrusive thoughts.
  • You’ve experienced betrayal, grew up in a chaotic home, or struggle with trust in relationships.
  • You want a therapist who is warm, direct, and supportive—someone who will challenge old patterns while offering compassion.
  • You’re open to exploring how your past experiences shape your present and are willing to do the deep inner work.
  • You’re looking for a therapy approach that is trauma-informed and focused on self-trust, nervous system healing, and emotional regulation.
  • You’re motivated and ready to do the work—committed to your healing and personal growth, and understand that therapy is an investment in your well-being and future.

We may not be a good fit if you…

  • You’re looking for quick fixes rather than long-term healing and growth.
  • You want strictly surface-level coping strategies without exploring deeper emotional wounds.
  • You need couples or family therapy (I focus on individual work).
  • You’re looking for a strictly CBT-based approach—I take a more relational approach to healing.
  • You can’t commit to weekly 50-minute sessions, which are important for progress and consistency in therapy.
  • You’re not comfortable with a therapist who balances warmth with direct, honest feedback.