Emily Smith
Grad Student Intern
Pronouns: She/Her
Therapeutic Style: Thoughtful, Calm, and Affirming
Works with:
- Individuals
- Couples
- Child/Family
- Group Therapy
- Teens
Who I am as a Therapist
I believe that life happens relationally. Our experiences take shape in the ways that we relate to ourselves, our families, friends, animals, and community, the systems we navigate, and the natural world around us. As a therapist, I hold a deep respect for your unique path and challenges in life, and am honored to be a part of your healing journey. I see myself as a collaborator to help you address patterns that are keeping you stuck and facilitate positive change, and I believe that you are the expert of your life.
My approach to therapy relies on warmth, empathy, acceptance, insight, curiosity, authenticity, and humor. I believe all people have a great capacity to grow and heal, and I strive to provide a safe place for this to happen. I am committed to providing culturally-sensitive and affirming care, especially to those in marginalized identities such as the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.
I lean on Attachment-Based Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Socio-Emotional Relational Therapy, and eco-psychology and mindfulness techniques in my work. I am especially passionate about grief and loss work, including helping you find meaningful ways to continue bonds after the death of a loved one. Ultimately, I aim to center you and your needs in our work together, so that you can move forward in your life with a sense of self-compassion, self-confidence, and hope.
Specialty Areas
Mental Health Challenges
- Addiction & Substance Use
- Aging
- Anxiety
-
Attachment & Relational Challenges
- Behavioral Challenges in Children
- Depression
- Divorce
- End of Life
- Grief & Loss
-
Identity Development
- LGBTQIA+
-
Life Transitions
-
Managing Stress
- School Issues
- Spirituality
-
Women’s Issues
Therapeutic Approaches
- Attachment Based Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Mind-Body/Somatic
- Mindfulness
-
Narrative Therapy
- Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy
Who I am when I’m not a Therapist
I grew up in Maryland and love going home to enjoy crabcakes and Baltimore Orioles baseball games when I can. I first moved to Portland for work in the advertising industry, and have now been here for six years. I’m forever in awe of the vast landscapes and old-growth forests! I am grateful to be in the process of making a meaningful career change to therapy. In my spare time, I enjoy knitting, reading, going for walks and hikes, spending time by any body of water, baking sweet treats, and hanging out with my partner and our perfect grey cat, Olive.
Education
- Pursuing Masters in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from Lewis and Clark College, OR
- MSB in Branding at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
- BA in Media & Communication Studies, English at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD
Training & Experience
-
Crisis training, including advanced training in suicide risk assessments, through Crisis Text Line
- Hosted community group for grieving young adults after the death of a loved one