Specializing in Anxiety and related Trauma, PTSD, & Depression
Walk and Talk Therapy - See your therapist while walking out in nature
Teletherapy - See your therapist online from the comfort of your couch
Free 15-20 Minute Consultation
Are you a Creative? Your creativity can weave into your therapy
I do not accept insurance, but be sure to check your out of network benefits for possible reimbursement
It’s about you … it’s about hope.Dorothy Smith, LCSW
(571) 207-7650 calling is your first step
Why Choose Me
I am a skilled and compassionate therapist in Virginia with experience and training in a wide range of therapeutic approaches including EMDR, CBT, ERP, IFS, Trauma-focused therapy, and Mindfulness. I have experience working with a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, PTSD, depression, and the pain of grief and loss. With a focus on evidence-based treatments like EMDR, CBT and Mindfulness, my approach is to bring you therapy that utilizes both the comfort of being truly heard and the effectiveness of the newer somatic therapies. I also have extensive experience and training in the creative arts and find that creativity is a powerful healing tool. So while I am not an Art Therapist, client’s who want to utilize creativity as a way of exploring their experiences are encouraged to . Walk and Talk therapy can be a wonderful way to connect to the natural world while doing therapy. Nature is a healer and our connection to nature has so many positive therapeutic possibilities.
Commitment to Individualized Care and Evidence-Based Practices
I believe in a personalized approach to therapy, recognizing that each individual’s journey is unique. My commitment to evidence-based practices is focused on helping my clients receive the most effective treatment tailored to their specific needs. By combining scientific research with my understanding of personal experiences, I create a nurturing environment conducive to growth and healing.My Services
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Specializing in Anxiety
Customized care for individuals with anxiety disorders including: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorders, and specific phobias. Together we will work on learning what is causing your anxiety while focusing on reducing anxiety levels, improving coping mechanisms, and enhancing overall quality of life.
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PTSD Therapy
Specialized treatment aimed at individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. Treatment will utilize evidence-based technique while processing traumatic events, and fostering resilience. I am aware of the challenges and the impact of PTSD and together we will take your therapy at your pace. My goal is to keep you from feeling overwhelmed as you gradually move back towards a sense of normalcy.
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Depression Counseling
I start by listening, because that is where you can often find the first level of comfort. I will also use targeted support for those battling depression, employing various therapeutic strategies to help you move in the direction of reducing symptoms, regaining hope, and finding joy or purpose in life again.
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EMDR Therapy
An innovative treatment for trauma and anxiety-related conditions, EMDR therapy facilitates the processing of distressing memories and promotes emotional healing.
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Anxiety and Depression Counseling
A holistic approach to treating co-occurring anxiety and depression, providing integrated strategies for relief and recovery.
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Grief and Depression Counseling
Compassionate support for individuals coping with loss and grief, helping them navigates their journey toward healing and acceptance.
Learn to work on mental wellness.
Improving mental health is a journey. It’s learning to meditate, to take care of your physical health, to treat yourself with kindness. Mental wellness begins with slowing down to examine where you want to go with your life (at any age). It can be difficult, but also healing to do the deep work of examining your life and learning self-compassion. If you are struggling, I am here to guide you through the process of self-examination and change. Some of our focus may be on learning new coping skills, meditation, relational skills, or improved communication. Together we will look at stressors, trauma, and negative patterns in your life. There are many paths and my specialty is finding the creative way to help you move towards building, and refocusing on, your unique gifts and strengths.
Increase your relational wellness
The first relationship I have a client work on and grow is the relationship with the self. Then together we look at your relationship patterns with other people in your life. When you identify both positive and negative patterns, you have the power to change and build better relationships. Think of it like building a home. If you build your home with good lumber and a solid foundation, it is likely to stand for a long time. The same is true of good relationships, they thrive when they are built on good patterns, good boundaries, and when they are nurtured.