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Kelly Smith

Kelly Smith, LCSW

Therapist · Virginia · 30+ years of experience

Warm, experienced LCSW for life's transitions

Continue with Kelly

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At a glance

Listed location
Virginia
Experience
30+ years
Credentials
LCSW
Languages
English
License (New York)
LCSW · No. 054827
License (California)
LCSW · No. LCSW112157
License (Virginia)
LCSW · No. 0904016388
License (Washington)
LICSW · No. LW61469825
NPI
1861441297

Copied as listed by the therapist. You can check a license with the state board and an NPI with the national registry.

  • 30 years experience
  • LCSW in NY and VA
  • Focus on aging

About Kelly

Kelly Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, grief, and caregiving transitions. They bring three decades of experience to conversations about life changes, addiction, ADHD, LGBTQ concerns, and aging and geriatric issues. Kelly aims to make the first step feel manageable and respectful.

In sessions Kelly keeps the tone warm and interactive. People can expect straightforward talk, steady listening, and practical steps to try between meetings. Kelly emphasizes being heard and treated with sensitivity and compassion.

Kelly draws on several approaches to match what each person needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to spot unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. Client-centered methods shape the work around the person’s goals and values. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness tools are used when emotion regulation and stress tolerance are priorities.

Across thirty years as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, Kelly has supported people with trauma, relationship dynamics, parenting stress, and identity-related concerns. Their experience includes work with OCD, bipolar challenges, substance issues, and complicated grief. This background informs a flexible, individualized approach rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.

Kelly encourages a collaborative process. Together they clarify what’s most important, set small goals, and revise the plan based on what helps. People who want practical strategies paired with empathic listening often find this approach useful.

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

How therapy approaches shape online sessions

Client-centered therapy focuses on the person’s goals and values and builds conversations around what matters most to them; it helps people who want supportive, goal-driven talk. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and offers exercises to change unhelpful patterns; it’s often used for anxiety, depression, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills and can be useful when strong emotions or relationship conflicts are present.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Kelly collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their needs and preferences. Together they set priorities, try techniques, and adjust the plan based on what helps most.

Session logistics and formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, allow quicker check-ins on stressful days, and reduce travel time. Some people appreciate shorter remote check-ins when they need brief support, while others prefer a longer weekly session for deeper work. Kelly will discuss what rhythm and format best support each person’s goals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Kelly commonly help people with?

Kelly works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy-related issues, addictions, grief, ADHD, and concerns linked to aging and geriatric issues.

How would you describe Kelly’s therapeutic style?

Sessions are warm, interactive, and engaging. Kelly emphasizes validation, respect, and practical steps people can try between meetings.

What sort of experience does Kelly bring?

Kelly has 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, working with a wide range of issues including trauma, parenting concerns, and identity-related challenges.

What are Kelly’s credentials and where are they based?

Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in New York and Virginia, and works from a Virginia location.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with Kelly?

Kelly does not accept international clients at this time.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What is the process to begin working with Kelly?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Kelly SmithContinue with Kelly